Biotechnology: Traditional and Modern Applications

Biotechnology

Biotechnology is a discipline that uses technology in biological processes. It uses living organisms to obtain particular products or processes.

Traditional Biotechnology

Traditional biotechnology uses microorganisms in production processes to complete them or increase their efficiency.

Areas Where It Is Used

• Food: Bread is made thanks to the fermentation produced by the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Alcoholic drinks also use S. cerevisiae, and cheese and other dairy products are made by allowing certain bacteria to ferment.
• Healthcare: Vaccines are made by using fragments of microorganisms or weakened ones, and antibiotics are made by certain molds.
• Environmental: Bacteria are used to eliminate organic matter in sewage. It is also used to decompose urban waste through fermentation. Bioplastics are made using bacteria.

Modern Biotechnology

Modern biotechnology is based on the achievements of genetic engineering.

Areas Where It Is Used (Agriculture, Livestock, and Farming)

• Farming: Used to modify plants and animals to improve food production. In this way, animals and plants are made resistant to infestations and other harsh environmental conditions.
• Biohealth: Scientists have been able to prevent and fight some major diseases and discover better health products and medicines.

Genetic Engineering

Genetic engineering can also have negative implications:

Ethical Implications

• The possibility of changing the characteristics of offspring by improving their physical and intellectual qualities.
• Private businesses patenting genes to profit from them.

Social Implications

• The increase of the apparent differences between developed and developing countries.
• The fact that we can know the probability someone has of developing an illness can lead to discrimination toward this person.

Environmental Implications

:Transferring genes from some species to others could lead to unwanted modifications.Also the use of transgenic species in farming could lead to the disappearance pf wild species.Biothics:discipline that originated in 1997 in order to combine biological knowledge and human values.Unesco's recommendations:protechuman,encouragknowlegd,investig and solidari and internatio cooperation.