Glowing Genes by 
Comprehensive Biotechnology by
The second edition of Comprehensive Biotechnology continues the tradition of the first inclusive work on this dynamic field with up-to-date and essential entries on the principles and practice of biotechnology. The integration of the latest relevant science and industry practice with fundamental biotechnology concepts is presented with entries from internationally recognized world leaders in their given fields. With two volumes covering basic fundamentals, and four volumes of applications, from environmental biotechnology and safety to medical biotechnology and healthcare, this work serves the needs of newcomers as well as established experts combining the latest relevant science and industry practice in a manageable format. It is a multi-authored work, written by experts and vetted by a prestigious advisory board and group of volume editors who are biotechnology innovators and educators with international influence. All six volumes are published at the same time, not as a series; this is not a conventional encyclopedia but a symbiotic integration of brief articles on established topics and longer chapters on new emerging areas. Hyperlinks provide sources of extensive additional related information; material authored and edited by world-renown experts in all aspects of the broad multidisciplinary field of biotechnology Scope and nature of the work are vetted by a prestigious International Advisory Board including three Nobel laureates Each article carries a glossary and a professional summary of the authors indicating their appropriate credentials An extensive index for the entire publication gives a complete list of the many topics treated in the increasingly expanding field
Plant Biotechnology and Agriculture by
As the oldest and largest human intervention in nature, the science of agriculture is one of the most intensely studied practices. From manipulation of plant gene structure to the use of plants for bioenergy, biotechnology interventions in plant and agricultural science have been rapidly developing over the past ten years with immense forward leaps on an annual basis. This book begins by laying the foundations for plant biotechnology by outlining the biological aspects including gene structure and expression, and the basic procedures in plant biotechnology of genomics, metabolomics, transcriptomics and proteomics. It then focuses on a discussion of the impacts of biotechnology on plant breeding technologies and germplasm sustainability. The role of biotechnology in the improvement of agricultural traits, production of industrial products and pharmaceuticals as well as biomaterials and biomass provide a historical perspective and a look to the future. Sections addressing intellectual property rights and sociological and food safety issues round out the holistic discussion of this important topic. Includes specific emphasis on the inter-relationships between basic plant biotechnologies and applied agricultural applications, and the way they contribute to each other Provides an updated review of the major plant biotechnology procedures and techniques, their impact on novel agricultural development and crop plant improvement Takes a broad view of the topic with discussions of practices in many countries
Biotechnology and Society by
With Biotechnology and Society, Hallam Stevens offers an up-to-date primer to help us understand the interactions of biotechnology and society and the debates, controversies, fears, and hopes that have shaped how we think about bodies, organisms, and life in the twenty-first century. Stevens addresses such topics as genetically modified foods, cloning, and stem cells; genetic testing and the potential for discrimination; fears of (and, in some cases, hopes for) designer babies; personal genomics; biosecurity; and biotech art. Taken as a whole, the book presents a clear, authoritative picture of the relationship between biotechnology and society today, and how our conceptions (and misconceptions) of it could shape future developments. It is an essential volume for students and scholars working with biotechnology, while still being accessible to the general reader interested in the truth behind breathless media accounts about biotech's promise and perils.
Careers in Biotechnology by 
Genetic Engineering by
This timely volume explores the controversial subject of genetic engineering, by placing expert opinions in a unique pro versus con format. The viewpoints are selected from a wide range of highly respected sources and publications. By choosing from such diverse sources and including both popular and unpopular views, readers are exposed to many sides of a debate, which promotes issue awareness as well as critical thinking. Readers will evaluate the benefits and risks of genetic engineering, and the environmental impact of genetic engineering. They will explore the pros and cons of regulation of genetic engineering. Stellar essay sources include Barack Obama, Union of Concerned Scientists, Chuck Norris, and S. Matthew Liao.
Designer Animals by
Designer Animals is an in-depth study of the debates surrounding the development of animal biotechnology, which is quickly emerging out of the laboratory and into the commercial marketplace. This book innovatively combines expert analysis on the technology's economic, professional, ethical, and religious implications while remaining firmly grounded in the 'real world' political environment in which the issue is played out. Designer Animals uses non-technical language to explore the science behind animal biotechnology and the ethical frameworks at play in its surrounding debates. By investigating the interests of major stakeholders, including researchers on the cutting edge of science; mainstream and 'alternative' agriculture organizations; the animal welfare movement; and health care providers, patients, and researchers, the contributors illuminate the most important points of agreement and disagreement on this hotly contested topic.
Issues and Dilemmas of Biotechnology by
Recent advances in biotechnology in areas as diverse as agriculture, the environment, food, and healthcare have led to much debate and media attention. This unique reference resource for advanced high school students and teachers explores the science behind these new technologies and examines the stakeholders and their stakes in the various debates. The author presents views of scientists, doctors, insurance companies, and big businesses, among others, on such issues as genetic testing, patenting of human gene sequences, cloning, and genetically engineered food. Each chapter addresses a specific issue with the goals of helping readers understand all the different ways biotechnology is being explored and implemented in our lives today, as well as to critically perceive the arguments being made concerning these issues. Students will learn there is more to biotechnology than cloning sheep, that it is also used for such purposes as making cheese and beer. Each topic is presented as a Case Study describing of a range of technologies and a diversity of stakeholders that will allow users to draw their own conclusions. This introduction to the technologies and the debates surrounding them also encourages students to take advantage of the many available sources for further research, particularly on the Internet.
FSCJ has over 100 films for immediate download on biotechnology. Click on the image above to watch anyone of them.
Gene sequencing
Gene sequencing : working out the exact order of bases in DNA. Sequencing.
1977 : genes of a virus were sequenced ( 5,400 base pairs ).
1995 : genes of the bacteria Haemophilus sequenced: 1.8 million base pairs.
1998 : genes of a nematode worm sequenced : 100 million bp. Nematode worm
2002 : genes of rice were sequenced. Rice
2005 : genes of a chimp were sequenced.
The Human genome project is working on human genes. The human genome has 3 billion base pairs. The human genome project was completed in 2003. The new phase involves producing a detailed map. CBS news The human genome project will be useful in predicting and treating disease. Gene bank
Restriction enzymes
Restriction enzymes - exist naturally in bacteria.They cut DNA at a specific site, with a particular DNA sequence. Restriction enzymes have been used since 1960s move genes from one species to another.
This produces a genetically modified (GM) plant or animal. This can be used to improve crops, for example by adding a gene for Vitamin A to rice. Golden rice Roughly 80% of corn and cotton grown in US are GM. Pigs are being produced with "healthy" omega-3 fats. Pigs
One potential problem: GM crops that contain the natural insecticide Bt may kill beneficial insects eg butterflies. Also GM crops contain new proteins, so may produce allergic reactions in some people.
Apart from agriculture, industry is also increasingly using biotechnology.
RFLP analysis
RFLP : Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism. RFLP analysis was invented in 1978. It cuts DNA into fragments with restriction enzymes, then separates the fragments with electrophoresis. This makes a genetic fingerprint.
DNA can be extracted from skin, blood, hair, sperm, saliva etc. It is used in paternity cases to prove that someone is the father.
RFLP is used in murder and rape cases : first used in Florida in 1988. It can be used to prove that someone is innocent, as well as proving guilt. Florida case It can be used to identify bones, for example soldiers killed in battle. New recruits now have to give blood or cheek cell samples ( used as genetic dogtags in the military ). It was used in 1994 to identify the bones of the Russian royal family. Czar
Polymerase chain reaction : PCR
This uses DNA polymerase to make many copies of DNA. It is often used before RFLP analysis. PCR was invented in 1989, by Kary Mullis. PCR. This allows crime investigators to get a DNA fingerprint from a single hair or drop of blood.
Plasmids
Plasmids are circles of DNA from bacteria. Plasmids can be removed, altered and put back into bacteria, so the bacteria make new proteins. This is called genetic engineering. Examples : human growth hormone and insulin. Diabetics need insulin injections. Previously the insulin was extracted from human blood, which ran the risk of accidentally transmitting viruses. Now insulin can be produced safely from genetically engineered bacteria.
Gene therapy
Genes can be inserted into cells using retroviruses. Potentially this can cure genetic diseases. The main problem is getting human cells to accept and use new DNA. Gene therapy first worked in 2000. Gene therapy. In addition to treating genetic diseases, gene therapy can also be used to boost the immune system, for example to treat cancer.
Hybridization
In this technique, a radioactive molecule with a particular sequence of bases ( a probe ) is added to chemicals . The probe joins to, or hybridizes with, specific sequences. Hybridization is used to pick out particular molecules eg genes or proteins.
Southern blot uses DNA probe to find DNA sequences. It was named after its inventor, Edward Southern.
Northern blot uses RNA probe to find mRNA.
Western blot detects protein bands.
Cloning
Cloning produces an exact genetic copy of an individual. Some plants and animals clone themselves naturally:
eg grass plugs, banana, Hydra.
In artificial cloning, the nucleus of the cell to be cloned is inserted into the cytoplasm of another cell. First clone using this method was a sheep: Dolly in 1997. Cloning Will a clone live as long as a normal animal? Dolly dies young
Cloning would be useful for:
A) copying domestic animals with useful genes.
B) cloning could help increase the population of an endangered species, or possibly revive extinct species. Species.
C) copying genetically modified (GM) animals. Cloned chicks Cloned pigs
D) human cloned cells could be used to cure diseases. Therapeutic cloning means taking the DNA from the cells of a patient and using stem cells to grow new tissue. Link
Stem cells Stem cells are cells that divide rapidly to produce new cells. They are important in growth and repairing damaged areas.
Adult stem cells, from bone marrow for example, can form a limited number of types of cells. Bone marrow
Stem cells from umbilical cords can form a larger variety of cells. Cord cells Stem cells from embryos can form into any cell in the body. Usually harvesting the stem cells kills the embryo, but a new technique allows the embryo to survive. New Scientist. Stem cells could be used to cure many diseases, such as diabetes and Alzheimer's disease.
Last edited August 2014 by David Byres, David.Byres@fscj.edu
