What is biotechnology?

Biotechnology uses living organisms or enzymes to synthesise, breakdown, or transform materials for human use.

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What are some examples of products that can be made using biotechnology?

  1. Cheese and yoghurt
  2. Wine and beer
  3. Bread
  4. Genetically engineered drugs like insulin and antibiotics
  5. Bioremediation systems

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What are some of the advantages of using microorganisms in biotechnology?

  1. Cost-effective cultivation and mass production lead to lower consumer prices
  2. No animal welfare issues
  3. Rapid growth and reproduction
  4. Simple nutrient needs and can even grow on different waste materials, reducing cost
  5. High protein content and low fat content for food production
  6. Potential for genetic manipulation
  7. Not dependent on weather or breeding cycles

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How is the antibiotic penicillin produced?

The fungus Penicillium chrysogenum requires the following conditions to grow and produce penicillin:

  1. Small fermenters and stirring to maintain high oxygen levels
  2. Nutrient-rich medium
  3. A buffer to maintain a constant pH (around 6.5)
  4. Constant temperature (around 25–27°C)


Penicillin can then be extracted and purified.

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What is bioremediation?

Bioremediation involves using microorganisms to decompose pollutants and contaminants in soil or water.

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What are the two approaches to bioremediation?

  1. Using natural organisms - this uses microbes' natural ability to digest organic materials, such as in sewage or oil spills, along with the addition of certain nutrients.
  2. Developing genetically modified organisms for specific contaminants - bacteria can be genetically engineered to break down or accumulate specific pollutants, like mercury.

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What is the role of enzymes in biotechnology?

Enzymes act as biological catalysts in manufacturing processes.

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What are some of the disadvantages of using microorganisms in biotechnology?

  1. Require sterile conditions, increasing costs
  2. Risk of contamination by unwanted microbes
  3. Some microorganisms may produce toxins that need to be removed
  4. Microorganisms need to be separated from nutrient broth to make food
  5. Lack of natural flavour means additives are required for taste
  6. Social concerns regarding genetically modified food or microorganisms grown on waste

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