Applications of Biotechnology

SUMMARY: The first video of BioByte101 gives an introduction to what Biotechnology is and also provides us an overview to its many applications. The speaker Dr. David Targan defined biotechnology as the use of cells and the cellular process to improve our world, to help combat disease, develop renewable resources, reduce our environmental impact and grow more food. Goals of biotechnology include finding answers to questions to live a long healthy life and to cure many debilitating diseases. Dr. David also discusses the function of cell such as providing structure for the body, taking in nutrients for food, carrying out specific functions and containing the body’s hereditary material. Most cells have nucleus, which contains the DNA. The DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, keeps an order of sequence of cells, which allows us to understand what builds and maintains an organism. DNA is also the cornerstone of modern biotechnology. The second video mentions cell and how it is the basis for life, and together with Biotechnology, they will be able to change, heal and feed the world; to also use nature in order to improve the human condition, develop cutting edge drugs, promote healthful food and nutrition, develop renewable products and energy, and spur a new economy. Examples of the results of the said events are the following: 1) 600 new therapies and vaccines 2) A billion biotech acres planted 3) Clean plant-made biofuels. The last video shows real-life applications of Biotechnology. These applications include: 1) making vitamins 2) curing the virus that affected the Papaya industry 3) giving the stone-wash look of jeans 4) affecting detergents that caused a decrease in temperature for washing machines 5) cutting phosphates running to rivers 6) turning plants like corn into plastics 7) creating an ethanol-powered car 8) converting biomass into renewable fuel 9) curing and/or lessening pain for lymphoma cancer and arthritis patients 10) modifying colors in flowers like the carnation 11) treating and curing leather and more. There is an invisible revolution that is occurring that solves old questions with new answers, all because of Biotechnology.

REFLECTION/REACTION: After watching all three videos, I realized that I never really acknowledged any of those applications of Biotechnology. For me, those products and different processes were already a norm. It didn’t occur to me that some basic routine I do for the day such as taking in vitamins already falls under that field of Science. I realized that I was also taking granted some of these “norms” and I need to give more credit to biotechnology for making it all happen. I am now more aware of my surroundings and I am more grateful for the innovations, inventions and improvements that have happened. I am now informed of what biotechnology has done for me, and I am thankful to the numerous scientists who have made my life better through their experiments and creations. Progress more Good side