BIOTECHNOLOGY - Inshyna N.M. - 2009

INTRODUCTION

BIOTECHNOLOGY AS A SCIENCE. MODERN ADVANCES IN BIOTECHNOLOGY

Biotechnology is a vital branch of modern biology that holds a leading priority in global science and economics.

Biotechnology is the science of Methods and technologies for creating genetically modified biological objects to intensify production and obtain novel types of products.

In the traditional sense, biotechnology is the science of methods and technologies for producing various substances using natural biological entities and processes. Modern biotechnology employs the methods of genetic and cellular engineering.

According to the definition by the European Federation of Biotechnology, biotechnology involves "the integrated use of biochemistry, microbiology, and chemical engineering for the industrial application of the capabilities of microorganisms and tissue cultures."

Biotechnology draws upon the achievements of such sciences as molecular and Cell biology, Introduction/32.html">Genetic Engineering, microbiology, biochemistry, bioorganic chemistry, physiology, genetics and breeding, medicine, veterinary science, and engineering technologies.

The main branches of biotechnology include:

1. "Red" biotechnology — The production of biopharmaceuticals and the Correction of Genetic defects.

2. "Green" biotechnology — the development and cultivation of genetically modified plants.

3. "White" biotechnology — the production of biofuels, Enzymes, and biomaterials for various industrial sectors.

4. Academic and governmental research (e.g., genome sequencing of certain organisms).

The practical achievements of biotechnology are utilized in medicine, environmental protection, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and the food, chemical, and mining industries. In medicine, biotechnological methods play a pivotal role in creating novel BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE SUBSTANCES and Pharmaceuticals designed for the early Diagnosis and Treatment of diseases. Microorganisms are employed to purify Water, air, and soil from chemical pollutants. In many countries, methods of genetic and cell engineering have enabled the creation of high-yielding crop varieties resistant to pests, diseases, and herbicides. Biotechnological processes utilizing microorganisms and enzymes are widely applied in the food industry. Industrial CULTIVATION OF MICROORGANISMS, plant, and animal Cells is used to obtain a wide array of substances: enzymes, Hormones, Amino Acids, Proteins, Vitamins, Antibiotics, alcohols, and organic acids.

Emerging fields of biotechnology application include bioelectronics and bioelectrochemistry, which exploit the interaction between biological, electrical, and electronic systems. A new generation of analytical devices has been developed, operating on The basis of electrodes with immobilized biological systems. A priority direction in biotechnology is bioenergy.