BiotechnologyWelcome, Collegiate Stars!

By Mrs. Leone

Biotechnology

• The use of living organisms, or parts of organisms, to produce products used by people, such as:– Medication, vaccines– Food, beverage– Cloth– Fuel– Furniture

Biotechnology: Medicine

Scientists have used bacteria to make several substances that are used to treat disease.– Insulin for treating diabetes– Hormones for replacement therapy– Antibiotics for fighting other bacteria

Biotechnology: Medicine

Like bacteria, viruses can also be used to make substances used in medication.

These are called “piggyback vaccines”.The idea is that the new harmless version

would compete for resources with the harmful version, reducing the effectiveness of HIV and other viruses.

Biotechnology: Food

Biotech has been used in food production for thousands of years, starting with the first loaf of yeast bread and the first jug of wine.

In modern times, scientists are seeking ways to alter crops and animals in several ways:– Resistant to diseases– Resistant to herbicides– Resistant to extreme weather– Taste better– More nutritious– Increased crop yield

Biotechnology: Food

THINK – PAIR – SHARE What are the benefits of genetically

modified foods, aka GM foods?What are the down sides?

Biotechnology: FuelEthanol is distilled from maize, sugar cane,

sorghum, sugar beet, or cereal grains.Biomass fuel is natural gas captured from

decomposing organic matter, like manure lagoons and land fills.

Biodiesel comes primarily from sunflower seed oil, rapeseed oil, or other vegetable oils.

Scientists are even creating bacteria that makes diesel fuel as a by-product!

Biotechnology: Fashion

We’ve seen corn processed into plastic cups. But now that same idea is being applied to cloth.

Plastic fibers such as acrylic and polyester are now able to be replaced with a corn-based version.

Biotechnology: Furniture

Wood furniture has been grown into shape for nearly a hundred years.

The first grown chair was in 1914!There are several manufacturers of grown

furniture all over the world.

Biotechnology in North Carolina

NC has a number of biotech firms. Many are located in the State-funded NC Biotechnology Center, in Research Triangle Park.

Biotech companies generate technical jobs and conduct research that helps farmers increase their crop yield (and income).

There is now less farmland, and fewer independent farmers. Farmhands are in less demand because of lower-maintenance plants.

Biotechnology & Ethics

Ethics is a system of commonly recognized right and wrong.

The use of biotech presents ethical issues that the scientific community and society must face.– Are GM foods and animals safe?– Is it right for humans to alter nature?– Do the many lives saved make up for it?

There are no easy answer. Scientists and consumers must decide which forms of biotech are appropriate and which are not.