The Three Branches of Biotechnology
- 1. T H E T H R E E B R A N C H E S O F B I O T E C H N O L O G Y
- 2. Biotechnology is the study and use of organisms and organic matter to develop new technologies. Humans have been practicing forms of biotechnology for centuries, and it is a major driving factor in the betterment of life on this planet. There are three main branches of biotechnology.
- 3. M E D I C A L B I O T E C H N O L O G Y • The study of the human body, its diseases, and the prevention of those diseases. • Focuses on the use of living cells, microorganisms, and cell materials to research human diseases and develop pharmaceutical drugs to treat and/or prevent medical maladies. • Most often applied to the pharmaceutical industry (where biotechnology corporations have grown in both size and importance.)
- 4. M E D I C A L B I O T E C H N O L O G Y ( C O N T ) ! • Medical Biotechnology also covers pharmacogenomic and genetic testing. • Pharmacogenomics - - the branch of biotechnology that tests the response that the human body has to those drugs that are created. • Genetic testing - - the biotechnological research of inherited diseases based on an individual’s genealogy.
- 5. A G R I C U LT U R A L B I O T E C H N O L O G Y • Focused on improving and changing plants, animals, and microorganisms. • Scientists use current understanding of DNA to modify genetic makeup of organisms. • Most often used in the genetic engineering of crops. • Genes are transferred between crops to enhance a variety of qualities: taste, nutrition, appearance, longevity, and ability to withstand climate changes & natural predators.
- 6. I N D U S T R I A L B I O T E C H N O L O G Y • Uses plants and marine organisms to create industrial goods. • Microorganisms and components of cells used to improve the production of a variety of goods (Ex: chemicals, textiles, biofuels, and paper) • Research conducted to improve the quality & environmental impact of the goods • Industrial technology is considered the largest branch of biotechnology.
- 7. D A N I E L B E D N A R I K . O R G
