BIOTECHNOLOGY STUDY GUIDE
Biotechnology:
Technology based on a biological system or organism. This technology uses organisms to solve real world
human problems and make useful products.
Terms:
Cloning: creating a genetically identical organism
Genetic Modification: transferring a gene from one species into the DNA of a completely different
species.
Transgenic: another term for a genetically modified organism (GMO)
Selective Breeding: selecting parents with desirable traits and breeding them to produce offspring
with the desired traits. This is commonly done in agriculture and livestock production (corn,
wheat, fruit, dogs, cows, etc). This is also called artificial selection
3 Divisions of biotechnology:
Medical: use of biotechnology to treat disease and repair injury. Examples are:
o gene therapy – using genetically modified viruses or bacteria to combat disease
o tissue culturing – cloning body parts (skin, bladders, heart valves) to replace those
damaged by injury or disease
o Drug development – manufacture of vaccines and other medications using living plants or
animals
o genetic testing – screening individuals for genetic markers that cause disease, crime scene
analysis, paternity testing
Agricultural: use of biotechnology to change crops or livestock. Examples are:
o transgenic crops that resist disease and pests, have increased nutritional value
o selective breeding to create crops with the “preferred” traits (turkeys with increased breast
size, corn with larger kernels)
Microbiology: using microbes in environmental or household uses. Examples are:
o to clean oil spills and toxic waste
o creation of foods (yogurt, cheese..)
o industrial cleaners
Ethics: concerns about the misuse or unintended consequences of biotechnology, especially in the field
of cloning and transgenic (GMO) organisms. The major concerns about transgenic crops are the
introduction of a new species to an ecosystem that may harm native species, creation of
pesticide/herbicide resistant insects and weeds, potential allergies in humans.
Currently, GMO foods are NOT required to be labeled as such if sold in the United States.
Benefits of Biotechnology:
Increased nutritional value of crops and the use of fewer pesticides & herbicides
More efficient creation of vaccines and other drugs, and in larger quantities
Creation of more successful and less damaging medical treatments for a variety of diseases
Biotechnology in North Carolina:
North Carolina is a world leader in the field of biotechnology. The Research Triangle Park (in the Raleigh
area, anchored by UNC, Duke, NC State and Wake Forest) was intentionally created by the state
legislature to bring cutting edge technology and high quality jobs to North Carolina.
Biotechnology Careers: any job that involves the use of living organisms to solve problems or create a
useful product.