pBR322 Vector: Structure, Sites, Applications
pBR322 is a commonly used cloning vector in E. coli and has tremendous applications in cloning. pBR322 full form p = plasmid BR = Bolivar, and Rodriguez 322 = numerical … Read more
Biotechnology
Biotechnology is a branch of biology that deals with the utilization of living beings or living processes for the production of different products that are important for living beings.
- Biotechnology is a fairly emerging discipline that crosses technical processes like manufacturing with biological compounds.
- The discipline utilizes both cellular and biomolecular processes to develop processes and products that improve our lives and the biological system of the planet.
- Biotechnology often overlaps with other fields like immunology, genomics, recombinant technology, and pharmaceutical microbiology.
- Even though biotechnology is viewed as a rather modern concept, it has been widely used throughout history in the form of increasing cultivation, breeding, and therapies.
- In modern times, however, biotechnology makes use of more complex concepts like recombinant DNA technology, plant tissue culture, among others.
- Biotechnology exists in a close relationship with bioinformatics for the exploration, extraction, and production of biological products.
- The production of insulin and antibiotics is one of the most notable examples of biotechnology that supports living beings and protects them from various diseases.
- One of the first uses of biotechnology is in the agricultural area where farmers employed techniques of selective breeding in order to increase the harvest.
- Besides, the production of alcohol and bread by the process of fermentation is another important and commonly used biotechnological technique.
- Four of the most common applications of biotechnology in modern times are made in areas like medicine, agriculture, industries, and the environment.
- Different forms of biotechnological processes like wastewater management are considered imperative for the protection of water sources.
- Plant and animal tissue culture has given new ways to form life which solves the problem of infertility in both plants and animals.
- A branch of biotechnology called, biopharmaceuticals are involved in the utilization of living beings for the production of different therapeutic agents that help in the treatment of life-threatening diseases.
Microbial Biotechnology in Environmental Applications
Microbial biotechnology is widely used to clean up contaminated environments, degrade pollutants, and produce green and sustainable energy using microorganisms. The various environmental applications of microbial biotechnology are discussed below: … Read more
Continuous Culture: Principles, Methods, and Application
Continuous culture is a continuous process where nutrients are continually added to the bioreactor and the culture broth (containing cells and metabolites) is removed at the same time. The volume … Read more
Bioleaching: Microorganisms, Types, Factors, Applications
Bioleaching, also called biomining or microbial bioleaching is a biotechnological process that employs microorganisms to extract metal from their ores and the solid metallic waste. The traditionally used method not … Read more
Vermicomposting: Methods, Process, Mechanisms, Uses
Vermicomposting is an environmental biotechnology of conversion of organic household wastes to high nutrient value organic manure using earthworms. Methods of Vermicomposting There are several methods of carrying out the … Read more
Probiotics: Properties, Sources, Mechanisms, Types, Uses
Probiotics are live microorganisms (bacteria and yeasts) present in foods, such as yogurt and sauerkraut, and supplements, which are innocuous (not harmful) to our human health and host. History of … Read more
Scope of Biotechnology with Branches and Careers
Biotechnology is the field of science that uses the principles of biological science and technology to generate products that improve human health and the environment. This involves manipulating biological organisms … Read more
Prebiotics: Sources, Mechanisms, Types, Functions
Glenn Gibson and Marcel Roberfroid proposed the concept of prebiotics for the first time in 1955. Prebiotics, non-digestible short-chain carbohydrates such as fibers, are a food source for gut bacteria … Read more
Reverse Vaccinology: Principle, History, Methods, Uses
Reverse vaccinology is a new technique in vaccine development in which computational technologies are used to find possible vaccine targets from pathogen genomes. This technique has transformed vaccine design, resulting … Read more
Bioplastics: Definition, Types, Uses, Challenges
Plastics have become an essential part of modern society. Many of the products we use in our daily lives are made of plastics. Plastics are crucial in various industries like … Read more