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Samenvatting - Biotechnology
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BIOTECHNOLOGYCHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION TO BIOTECHNOLOGY
1.1 WHAT IS BIOTECHNOLOGY AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU?
• Biotechnology:
o The use of living organisms, cells, and biological systems to develop products
and technologies that improve human life and the environment.
o Involves techniques like gene cloning, genetic engineering, and recombinant
DNA technology.
• Historical Examples:
o Fermentation: A metabolic process converting sugar to acids, gases, or alcohol
using microorganisms like yeast and bacteria. Historically used in brewing beer,
baking bread, and making wine.
o Selective Breeding: The process of breeding (kweken) plants and animals for
specific genetic traits (characteristics), leading to improved varieties and
breeds.
o Antibiotics: Substances produced by microorganisms that kill or inhibit (het
remmen van) the growth of bacteria. The discovery of penicillin by Alexander
Fleming is a landmark in antibiotic development. F.E. antibiotic used to treat
bacterial infections by inhibiting cell wall synthesis.
• Modern Biotechnology:
o Gene Cloning: The process of making multiple copies of a specific gene.
Involves isolating a gene of interest, inserting it into a vector, and introducing it
into a host organism to replicate.
o Genetic Engineering (Broad field) : The direct manipulation of an organism’s
genome using biotechnology (to achieve desired traits). Techniques include
CRISPR-Cas9, recombinant DNA, gene silencing, gene editing, and more.
o Recombinant DNA Technology (Specific method): Combining DNA from
different sources into a single DNA molecule (to create new genetic functions).
Used to produce genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and recombinant
proteins but also for cloning genes. Primary focus is on cutting and
recombining DNA sequences using restriction enzymes and ligases to
introduce new genetic material into host organisms.
o Applications:
▪ Disease-Resistant Plants: Plants genetically engineered to resist pests
(ongedierte weerstaan), diseases, and environmental conditions.
(Pests are organisms, such as insects, weeds, fungi, microbes, etc. that
cause harm or damage to crops, livestock & human health)
▪ Enhanced Food Crops: Crops engineered for higher yields, improved
nutrition (e.g., Golden Rice enriched with beta-carotene).
▪ Bioremediation: Using genetically engineered bacteria to clean up
pollutants, such as oil spills.
BIOTECHNOLOGY 1 VANESSA SOFIA WUYCKENS
, • Biotech Products:
o Recombinant Proteins: Proteins produced by genetically engineered organisms
(through the introduction of recombinant DNA technology). This involves
inserting a gene coding the desired protein into a suitable host organism which
then expresses the protein. The production process includes the isolation and
purification of the protein from the host organism. Recombinant Proteins are
used for medical treatments.
o Examples:
▪ Insulin: A hormone used to treat diabetes, originally extracted from
animals, now produced using recombinant bacteria(Recombinant
Technology used in Bacteria).
▪ Growth Hormone: Treats growth deficiencies; produced using
recombinant DNA technology.
▪ Monoclonal Antibodies: Laboratory-produced molecules that can bind
to specific targets in the body, used in cancer treatment and
autoimmune diseases.
Genetically Modified Organism (GMO):
• A GMO is any organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic
engineering techniques. This broad category includes a variety of modifications, such
as the insertion, deletion, or modification of genes to achieve desired traits.
• Techniques used can include CRISPR, gene silencing, traditional breeding techniques
enhanced by molecular biology, and recombinant DNA technology.
• Examples: Herbicide-resistant crops, pest-resistant plants, animals with enhanced
growth rates.
Recombinant Organism:
• A recombinant organism specifically refers to an organism that has been modified
using recombinant DNA technology, where DNA from different sources is combined
into a single molecule and inserted into the organism.
• All recombinant organisms are GMOs, but not all GMOs are recombinant organisms.
• Examples: Bacteria that produce human insulin, plants with inserted genes for pest
resistance from another species.
1.2 TYPES OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
• Microbial Biotechnology:
o The use of microorganisms (bacteria, yeast, fungi) in industrial processes.
o Applications:
▪ Fermentation: Producing alcohol, antibiotics, and other chemicals.
▪ Enzyme Production: Creating enzymes for industrial applications.
BIOTECHNOLOGY 2 VANESSA SOFIA WUYCKENS
, ▪ Synthetic Genomics: Designing and constructing new genomes for
research and industrial applications.
• Agricultural Biotechnology:
o Improving crops and livestock (veeteelt) through genetic engineering.
o Examples:
▪ Drought-Resistant Crops: Plants engineered to survive in low-water
conditions.
▪ Nutrient-Enriched Crops: Crops like Golden Rice, designed to combat
malnutrition.
▪ CRISPR-Cas Technology: A powerful genome-editing tool used to make
precise genetic modifications in plants.
• Animal Biotechnology:
o Using animals to produce valuable proteins and as models for human disease.
o Applications:
▪ Transgenic Animals: Animals genetically engineered to express foreign
genes.
▪ Gene Knockout Models: Animals engineered to lack specific genes,
used to study gene function.
▪ Cloning: Creating genetically identical animals, potentially useful for
preserving endangered species.
• Forensic Biotechnology:
o The application of biotechnology in criminal investigations.
o DNA Fingerprinting: Identifying individuals based on their unique DNA profiles.
Match suspects to biological evidence. Specific regions of DNA are analyzed
creating a unique genetic profile for an individual.
o Liquid Biopsies: Analyzing blood samples to detect cancer and monitor its
progression.
o Applications: Identifying suspects & victims, Paternity test, Identifying remains,
etc.
o PCR: Amplifies small amounts of DNA to obtain sufficient material for analysis.
• Bioremediation:
o The use of living organisms to clean up environmental contaminants/polutants.
o Applications:
▪ Oil Spill Cleanup: Using bacteria that degrade hydrocarbons to clean oil
spills.
▪ Heavy Metal Removal: Using plants or microbes to remove heavy
metals from soil and water.
• Aquatic Biotechnology:
o The use of marine organisms for biotechnology applications.
o Applications:
▪ Aquaculture: Raising fish and shellfish under controlled conditions.
▪ Genetic Engineering: Creating disease-resistant aquatic species.
▪ Bioprospecting: Exploring marine environments for novel genes and
proteins with potential applications in medicine and industry.
• Medical Biotechnology:
o The use of biotechnology in medicine to develop treatments and diagnostics.
BIOTECHNOLOGY 3 VANESSA SOFIA WUYCKENS
, o Gene Therapy: Treating genetic disorders by delivering therapeutic genes to
patients. Used to treat or prevent disease. Involves in inserting (Gene
Addition), altering (Gene Editing) or removing (Gene Silencing) genes within an
individual’s cells to correct genetic disorders, repair damaged tissues or fight
diseases. Applications like modifying immune cells to target and destroy cancer
cells or fight infections like HIV. Challenges like Immune response to attack
vectors used for gene delivery or disruption of other important genes
potentially causing cancer.
o CRISPR-Cas: A genome editing tool with the potential to correct genetic
mutations. This directly modifies the DNA sequence within a gene.
o Personal Genomics: Tailoring medical treatments based on an individual's
genetic profile.
o Stem Cell Technology: Using stem cells to regenerate damaged tissues and
organs. Stem cells are undifferentiated cells with the unique ability to develop
into various specialized cell types in the body. They are crucial for growth,
development and tissue repair.
• Regulatory Biotechnology:
o Ensuring that biotechnology products are safe and effective. + compliance with
legal and ethical standards.
o Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC): Ensuring products meet
required standards.
o Clinical Testing Phases: Evaluating the safety and efficacy of new drugs through
rigorous testing.
1.3 THE BIOTECHNOLOGY WORKFORCE
• Biotechnology Companies:
o Companies that develop drugs and other products using living organisms.
o Create a wide range of products, including industrial enzymes and agricultural
products.
• Top Biotechnology Companies by Revenue (2017):
o Examples include Amgen, Gilead Sciences, Novo Nordisk, Celgene, Biogen.
• Career Paths:
o Research and Development (R&D): Discovery research, bioinformatics, lab
safety.
o Operations: Process development, manufacturing.
o Quality Control and Assurance: Ensuring product consistency and compliance.
o Clinical Research: Conducting clinical trials and regulatory affairs.
o Finance and Administration: Business development, legal, information
systems.
1.4 VIB (VLAAMS INSTITUUT VOOR BIOTECHNOLOGIE)
• Overview:
o A research institute founded in 1995, focused on biomedical research.
o Receives significant funding and produces high-impact scientific research.
o Has spun off several companies, contributing to the biotechnology industry.
BIOTECHNOLOGY 4 VANESSA SOFIA WUYCKENS
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