Key Concepts in Biotechnology, Genomics, and Environmental Science
Biotechnology: Definition and Scope
Biotechnology is a science that integrates the natural sciences and engineering principles to implement organisms, cells, parts of cells, and their molecules in the development of useful products and services for human benefit. These products include pharmaceuticals like insulin or antibiotics.
Key Materials in Biotechnology
The essential working materials in biotechnology include:
- Restriction enzymes.
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) components.
Core Biotechnology Techniques
Key techniques utilized in biotechnology are:
- Recombinant DNA Technology.
- DNA sequencing.
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).
Influential Factors in Life Science Product Manufacturing
The most influential factor in the manufacture of a life science product is production management and controlling whether a product is reliable and produces a benefit in humans or not. This involves rigorous quality assurance and ethical oversight.
Do Factors Affect Different Products Equally?
Factors affecting product development do not affect all products equally, as different biological systems (e.g., an animal, a plant, or bacteria) do not share the same characteristics or internal systems.
Transgenic Foods: Pros and Cons
Genetically engineered foods, also known as Genetically Modified Foods (GMOs), are foods derived from organisms whose genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally. The most common examples include millet, barley, and soybeans.
The aspects of transgenic foods can be summarized as follows:
- Positive Aspects: They can provide more nutrients to humans (e.g., enhanced vitamins and minerals).
- Negative Aspects: There is concern that they may negatively impact biodiversity and natural ecosystems.
Oncogenes: Definition and Research Benefits
An oncogene is an abnormal gene obtained by the modification of a normal gene called a proto-oncogene. A significant advantage of studying oncogenes is that research can often be conducted in vitro or using models, meaning no lives are lost during the research phase. In the future, this research could save the lives of those suffering from cancer.
Gene Therapy: Definition and Potential Benefits
Gene therapy involves inserting genes into the cells and tissues of an individual to treat a disease. As a major benefit, this method offers the potential to cure many illnesses and correct genetic defects, addressing diseases at their root cause.
The Human Genome Project (HGP)
The human genome is the complete set of genetic information (the genome of Homo sapiens)—the DNA sequence contained in 23 pairs of chromosomes in each human diploid cell nucleus. The Human Genome Project (HGP) aims to determine the nucleotide sequence of the human genome (the genotype).
The main objectives of the HGP are:
- To obtain a map of the genes, meaning to locate and identify the set of all genes in the human DNA molecule.
- To store this information in accessible databases.
- To develop new technologies applicable to sequencing and introduce new tools for analyzing the data obtained.
The HGP is recognized as a global project, with members from several countries collaborating to advance the research.
Mapping Human Chromosomes (Karyotyping)
The set of 23 pairs of chromosomes that humans possess are grouped by their characteristics and can be classified by the position of their centromeres. Mapping chromosomes allows scientists to know exactly the root cause of certain diseases.
Cloning and Embryo Cloning
Cloning is the process by which identical copies are obtained from an organism through asexual reproduction. Embryo cloning is a process undertaken to obtain stem cells (often referred to as therapeutic cloning).
Ethical Considerations: In Vitro Fertilization and Food Research
The original text raises concerns regarding In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), stating that it is not helpful to women, and also expresses a personal dislike for certain foodstuffs that require investigation in biotechnology. These decisions and concerns highlight the need for ongoing ethical debate in life sciences.
Decision Making in Bioethics
Decisions regarding the application of biotechnology and medical procedures must be made by the researchers and doctors in charge, as they possess the necessary expertise to determine the appropriate course of action.
Environmental Science: The Greenhouse Effect
The Greenhouse Effect is a phenomenon whereby certain gases in the Earth’s atmosphere retain some of the energy emitted by the soil after it has been heated by solar radiation. Key greenhouse gases include methane and carbon dioxide.
The Formation of Acid Rain
Acid rain is formed when moisture in the air combines with nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide emitted primarily by factories, power plants, and vehicles that burn coal or petroleum products. In interaction with water vapor, these gases form sulfuric and nitric acids. Finally, these chemicals fall to earth, accompanying precipitation, thus forming acid rain.