Biotechnology Paper
Biotechnology products are the yield of engineering labors that process biological material and agents to produce a modified biological substance. Examples of biotechnology drugs are monoclonal antibodies and recombinant DNA. Monoclonal antibodies are important reagents in the treatment and diagnosis of disease. They have been used for diagnosis of pregnancy, detection of presence and concentration of drugs in the blood, histocompatibility assay, and detecting shed tumor antigens. They are antibodies that are mass produced in a laboratory from a single clone that recognizes only one epitope of a single antigen. Recombinant DNA is DNA that has been created artificially and codes for a specific desired protein for harvest. New biotechnology drug discovery begins with identification of cellular and genetic factors that play a role in specific diseases. Chemical and biological substances that target these factors are likely to have drug-like effects and are searched for. If an antigen is identified as a disease causing agent, a monoclonal antibody could be an appropriate therapeutic agent to develop. Or if a single protein is likely to exert a pharmacological effect recombinant DNA may be appropriate.
After the desired chemical substances have been identified, research for production can begin. The processes of recombinant DNA production and Monoclonal antibody production are very different. Most antigens have many antibody binding sites, or epitopes. Therefore, many different antibodies may bind to any one antigen. Monoclonal antibodies are specific for only one antigen epitope. Epitope specificity brings several advantages including dose response predictability and uniformity of batches. In 1975 Kohler and Milstein developed a process that produced monoclonal antibody.
The generation of monoclonal antibodies requires a living organism, normally, a mouse. The first step in monoclonal antibody production is immunization of mice.
samples. In our experiment we learned the how to replicate tiny samples of DNA into usable
Holder, W.T., McCord, D.L., and Turner, Ralph J. 1984. Isoimmunization with Anti-U Antibody. Journal of the National Medical Association. V.76 (3). Pg. 277-283.
Biology literally means "the study of life". Biology is such a broad field, covering the minute workings of chemical machines inside our cells, to broad scale concepts of ecosystems and global climate change. Biologists study intimate details of the human brain, the composition of our genes, and even the functioning of our reproductive system. Biologists recently all but completed the deciphering of the human genome, the sequence of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) bases that may determine much of our innate capabilities and predispositions to certain forms of behavior and illnesses. DNA sequences have played major roles in criminal cases (O.J. Simpson, as well as the reversal of death penalties for many wrongfully convicted individuals), as well as the impeachment of President Clinton (the stain at least did not lie). We are bombarded with headlines about possible health risks from favorite foods (Chinese, Mexican, hamburgers, etc.) as well as the potential benefits of eating other foods such as cooked tomatoes. Informercials tout the benefits of metabolism-adjusting drugs for weight loss. Many Americans are turning to herbal remedies to ease arthritis pain, improve memory, as well as improve our moods. Can a biology book give you the answers to these questions? No, but it will enable you learn how to sift through the biases of investigators, the press, and others in a quest to critically evaluate the question. To be honest, five years after you are through with this class it is doubtful you would remember all the details of meatbolism. However, you will know where to look and maybe a little about the process of science that will allow you to make an informed decision. Will you be a scientist? Yes, in a way. You may not be formally trained as a science major, but you can think critically, solve problems, and have some idea about what science can and cannoit do. I hope you will be able to tell the shoe from the shinola.
Genetic engineering is now being used to create new medicines and therapies for many disorders and diseases, and also to improve agricultural plants and animals to produce bigger yields or enhanced nutrient composition and food quality. In Gene therapy, copies of healthy human genes produced in bacteria can be inserted into human cells with defective or missing genes, to fix the problem. Gene therapy is promising because it can use to treat genetic
Vaccines are a type of substance used to stimulate the production of antibodies and help
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Mikhailov M, Monastyrskaya K, Bakker T, Roy P. A new form of particulate single and multiple immunogen delivery system based on recombinant bluetongue virus-derived tubules. Virology 1996; 217: 323-31.
The Use of Recombinant DNA Technology Recombinant DNA technology is the technology of preparing recombinant DNA in vitro by cutting up DNA molecules and splicing together fragments from more than one organism.(1) This is the process of using recombinant DNA technology to enable the rapid production of human protein from a single gene of insulin. Firstly the single gene required must be isolated. This can be done three ways: Either by working backwards from the protein- Finding the amino acid sequence for the protein needed, the order of bases can be established using known genetic code. New DNA can be made from this sequence of bases resulting in artificial gene made from complementary DNA.
Synthetic biology, also known as synbio, is a new form of research that began in the year 2000. The Action Group on Erosion, Technology and Concentration (ETC Group) says that synthetic biology is bringing together “engineering and the life sciences in order to design and construct new biological parts, devices and systems that do not currently exist in the natural world’ (Synthetic Biology). Synthetic biology is aiming to create safer medicines, clean energy, and help the environment through synthetically engineered medicines, biofuels, and food. Because synthetic biology has only existed for fourteen years, there is controversy involving its engineering ethics. In this literature review, I am going to summarize and correlate the International Association for Synthetic Biology (IASB) Code of Conduct for Gene Synthesis, the impact of synthetic biology on people and the environment, and the philosophical debates.
For the biotechnology industry, the future is now. Biotech companies are producing new and improved drugs, mapping the genome, and creating artificial organs and body parts. The advent of these new products will increase the quality of life for those who have access to them. Advancements in the biotechnology field have received a lot attention by the press and publications. They have given the impression that it is almost imperative to learn about this fairly new field of study.
Drug is a chemical which alters the processes in the organism, which is used in the medicine for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the diseases (Farlex, 2011). Drug discovery is a long term process that needs money investment. The process of drug investigation takes approximately from 9 to 15 years during which the number of chemicals that can become drug is reduced from 10,000 to 1-2 (Saparov, 2011). Even after manufacturing the drug is studied by scientists for modifying its structure, delivery and effects on the organism. Drug discovery consists of several stages which help to examine its effectiveness and side effects.
Nicklin, D. S. 2001. Medical Issues: The Future Impact of Biotechnology on Human Factors. [e-book] United Kingdom: pp. 1-2. Available through: science and technology organisation collaboration support centre http://ftp.rta.nato.int/public/PubFullText/RTO/MP/RTO-MP-077/MP-077-19.pdf [Accessed: 11 Apr 2014].
Many people don't know what biomedical engineers do. A biomedical engineer’s job is actually quite interesting. They analyze and create solutions to improving the quality and effectiveness of patient care. They also design technology to accommodate the needs of people with disabilities. They have a big role in helping people begin new lives. The main job of a biomedical engineer is to help create prosthetic limbs or organs for those who are in need of one.
Biotechnology in food uses genes of plants,microorganisms and animals that have desired production or nutrition related characteristics. The tools that are used in food biotechnology include traditional breeding ,such as cross breeding,and many modern techniques that have to do with using what is known about genes or orders for specific traits to better the quality and quantity of plant species. Food biotechnology modifies the production of fruits and vegetables that ripen on the vine for a better fresher taste. Different type of foods also benefit from food biotechnology .Foods that are developed using biotechnology are studied very carefully and judge by many governing agencies, health expects and scientists all over the world. Biotechnology can assist in the improve ment of the safety of food by reducing the naturally occurring toxins and allergens in different types of food .Food biotechnology is one of many tools farmers and food producers can use to give a food supply that is affordable,safe,convenient and sustainable
The myriad mysteries of science can be unraveled by the emerging technologies including Biotechnology. Science has always been my interest and forte thus, the choice of Biotechnology as my academic option was the ideal decision. I had prepared for the highly competitive entrance exam AIET to get admission into the integrated Masters Degree in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics at Dr. D.Y. Patil University and secured 87th all over India rank and was proud to gain admission to this venerated university. The academic curriculum has introduced me to amazing subjects like ‘Microbiology’, ‘Molecular Biology’, ‘Biochemistry’, ‘Genetics’ and ‘Industrial Biotechnology’. Although many seminal biological events have been explained in theory during the past century, the technology to harness their potential for benefiting humankind has only been possible during the past few decades. This is testament to the great improvements in biotechnologies and I am glad to be a part of this grand scientific experience.