INSTRUCTION: RESEARCH THE FOLLOWING
What is biotechnology?
biotechnology is technology based on biology - biotechnology harnesses cellular
and biomolecular processes to develop technologies and products that help improve
our lives and the health of our planet. We have used the biological processes of
microorganisms for more than 6,000 years to make useful food products, such as
bread and cheese, and to preserve dairy products.
Stages of Biotechnology
1. Ancient Biotechnology
Most of the developments in the ancient period i.e., before the year 1800, can be
termed as ‘discoveries’ or ‘developments’.
Ancient biotechnology refers to the early use of living organisms or biological
processes by ancient civilizations to produce food, materials, and medicines.
Examples include fermentation for bread, beer, and cheese, selective breeding of
crops and animals, and the use of natural substances like mold or plant extracts for
healing. These practices, rooted in observation and tradition, laid the groundwork
for modern biotechnology.
2. Classical Biotechnology
The second phase of evolution and development of biotechnology can be called
‘Classical Biotechnology’. This phase existed from 1800 to almost the middle of the
twentieth century.
Key advancements included the discovery of fermentation processes for producing
antibiotics (e.g., penicillin), enzymes, and other biochemicals, as well as the
development of techniques like selective breeding and hybridization for agriculture.
This era bridged ancient practices and modern biotechnology, emphasizing the
controlled use of microorganisms and biological systems for industrial and medical
applications.
3. Modern Biotechnology
The Second World War became a major impediment in scientific discoveries. After
the end of the second world war some, very crucial discoveries were reported。
Modern biotechnology involves the use of advanced scientific techniques, such as
genetic engineering, CRISPR, and synthetic biology, to manipulate living organisms
at the molecular level for applications in medicine, agriculture, and industry. It
enables breakthroughs like gene therapy, genetically modified organisms (GMOs),
and biopharmaceuticals, revolutionizing fields such as healthcare, food production,
and environmental sustainability.
Branches of biotechnology
1. Red Biotechnology
This is the health branch and responsible, according to the Biotechnology
Innovation Organization (BIO), for the development of more than 250 vaccines and
medications such as antibiotics, regenerative therapies and the production of
artificial organs.
2. White Biotechnology
The industrial branch works to improve manufacturing processes, the development
of biofuels and other technologies to make industry more efficient and sustainable.
3. Green Biotechnology
It is used by more than 13 million farmers worldwide to fight pests and nourish
crops and strengthen them against microorganisms and extreme weather events,
such as droughts and frosts.
4. Grey Biotechnology
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Its purpose is the conservation and restoration of contaminated natural ecosystems
through, as mentioned above, bioremediation processes.
5. Blue Biotechnology
This exploits marine resources to obtain aquaculture, cosmetics and health care
products. At the environemntal level, the aim is to preserve marine species and
ecosystems. In addition, it is the branch most widely used to obtain biofuels from
certain microalgae.
6. Yellow Biotechnology
This branch is focused on food production and, for example, it carries out research
to reduce the levels of saturated fats in cooking oils. Its main function is to
genetically improve products so that there is a higher quantity or quality of food.
7. Purple Biotechnology
It deals with the legal study of the very aspects of this science. They are closely
related to intellectual property, patents and the biosafety of processes involving
living organisms.
8. Black or Dark Biotechnology
This includes all research work on micro-organisms that can be manipulated to
attack human health. Its main activities are related to biological warfare and
bioterrorism.
9. Gold Biotechnology
Also known as bioinformatics it is responsible for obtaining, storing, analysing and
separating biological information, especially that related to DNA and amino acid
sequences.
10. Brown Biotechnology
This comes from green biotechnology with the aim of taking advantage of arid and
desert soils to include highly resistant plant species that increase the flora and
biodiversity of these environments.
11. Pink Biotechnology
Focused on applications related to health, medicine, and pharmaceuticals. It
includes the development of vaccines, antibiotics, gene therapies, and personalized
medicine to improve human health and treat diseases.
12. Orange Biotechnology
This includes the dissemination of information of interest to the other branches. t is
carried out both in the fields of education and scientific dissemination with new
advances in biotechnologies.
Other Types Biotechnology and Applications
1. Microbial Biotechnology
Microbial biotechnology, the technological application of microorganisms, has been
instrumental in producing significant natural bioactive products. These include
antibiotics, antifungals, anticancer drugs, antiparasitics, antivirals,
immunosuppressants, toxoid vaccines, and therapeutic enzymes.
2. Agricultural Biotechnology
Biotechnology is widely used in agriculture to improve plant growth and yields,
increase resistance to pests and diseases, and enhance nutritional content. In fact,
it’s estimated that up to 80% of all processed foods today contain ingredients
derived from biotechnology. From genetically engineered crops to the Sterile Insect
Technique (SIT) for insect control on fruit trees and grapevines, examples of
biotechnology in agriculture are widespread.
3. Animal Biotechnology
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Animal biotechnology uses molecular biology techniques to genetically redesign and
modify the genome of animals or manipulate their reproduction and development
for medicinal, agricultural, or industrial purposes. Today, animal biotechnology is
used in several livestock industries to advance breed development to improve
animal health and welfare, reproduction, and animal-derived foods' nutritional
safety and quality.
4. Forensic Biotechnology
Forensic biotechnology deals with the study and investigation of genomic
information for the identification of specific signatures. The data obtained from
forensic biotechnology are utilized by the legal system to make necessary
interpretations about criminals. the discipline has also been employed for the
determination of parenthood or other familial characteristics. Traditionally this field
relied on a few basic techniques of genetics like DNA fingerprinting. However, the
recent developments in the field of genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics have
made the forensic sciences increasingly sensitive and reliable.
5. Bioremediation
Bioremediation refers to the use of microorganisms to eliminate or reduce the
concentrations of hazardous wastes at a contaminated site . One important
characteristic of bioremediation is that it is carried out in non-sterile open
environments comprising of a variety of microorganisms . Out of this diversified
group of microorganisms, the central role towards degradation of contaminants is
being accomplished by bacteria. A biological treatment system comprising of these
microorganisms has various applications such as the rehabilitation of contaminated
sites, e.g., water, soils, sludges, and waste streams。
6. Aquatic Biotechnology
Advanced biotechnological resources and tools have been extensively used to
utilize ocean resources while safeguarding their sustainability. Marine
bioprospecting, the search of biological material in ocean for high-value genetic and
biochemical properties, is a fast-growing research and development activity, leading
to its commercial applications. Biotechnological interventions in fishery and
mariculture are critical to fashion its sustainability in the long run.
7. Medical Biotechnology
Medical biotechnology is a branch of medicine that uses living cells and cell
materials to research and then produce pharmaceutical and diagnosing products.
These products help treat and prevent diseases.
Some of the most recent uses of biological tech is work in genetic testing, drug
treatments, and artificial tissue growth.
8. Regulatory Biotechnology
The regulatory framework for animal biotechnology consists of the agencies,
statutes, regulations and policies under which: (1) standards are established for the
care and treatment of animals used in biotechnology research and testing activities,
(2) decisions are made about market access and conditions of use for the
commercial products of animal biotechnology, and (3) government post-approval
oversight is provided to verify that marketed products are in compliance with
regulatory requirements.
The regulatory framework's standards and procedures for making market access
decisions are particularly important to the study because they establish the general
scope of the questions regulatory agencies will need to ask about the commercial
products of animal biotechnology.
Biotechnology Philippines
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