01 Introduction to Biotechnology Free Online FlashCards

What is biotechnology?

Biotechnology uses living organisms, cells, or biological molecules to create products, improve processes, or solve problems.

What are examples of biotechnology used before modern genetics?

Fermentation, domestication, and selective breeding are ancient forms of biotechnology, used to make foods and develop useful crops and animals.

Why was the 1953 DNA double-helix model important?

The double-helix model of DNA helped establish a foundation for understanding how genetic information is stored.

What did researchers achieve with recombinant DNA in the early 1970s?

Researchers joined DNA fragments and introduced them into host cells, producing recombinant DNA.

What does medical biotechnology aim to develop or improve?

Medical biotechnology develops or improves diagnostics, medicines, vaccines, and other health technologies.

What is the focus of agricultural biotechnology?

Agricultural biotechnology applies biological tools to crops, livestock, and food production, including efforts to improve useful traits or protect plants.

How does industrial biotechnology support manufacturing?

Industrial biotechnology uses organisms, cells, or enzymes in manufacturing; biological catalysts can help produce chemicals, materials, or fuels.

What environmental problems can biotechnology help address?

Environmental biotechnology uses biological processes for environmental monitoring and management, including treating some wastes or contaminants.

What does computational biotechnology do with biological data?

Computational biotechnology uses bioinformatics and related tools to store, compare, and interpret biological data, such as DNA sequences.

What does informed consent require when biological samples or genetic data are used?

Informed consent means people understand how their biological samples or genetic information may be used and protected.

Why do potentially heritable genetic edits raise additional ethical concerns?

Potentially heritable genetic changes raise added ethical concerns because future generations who may be affected cannot consent.

How do biosafety and biosecurity differ?

Biosafety prevents accidental exposure to or release of biological material; biosecurity prevents its loss, theft, unauthorized access, or misuse.