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Chapter 20 — Chapter 20 — Biotechnology
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📘Easy summary
Biotechnology means 'technology based on biology': the use of organisms, biological processes or systems to make products that improve human lives and the environment, solving challenges in medicine, agriculture and industry. Traditional biotechnology (fermentation for bread, cheese) is thousands of years old; modern biotechnology arose in the 20th century after the structure of DNA was discovered. Its engine is genetic engineering — alteration of an organism's DNA to change its traits or capabilities by inserting, deleting or modifying genes, sometimes between species. It relies on two technologies: recombinant DNA technology (cutting DNA from one organism and pasting it into another's) and PCR (rapidly amplifying a tiny DNA segment).
⭐Key points
- Genetic engineering alters DNA.
- Two pillars: rDNA technology and PCR.
- Modern biotech after DNA structure.
🔬Diagram
🌿Real-life example
Cheese making with microbes is traditional biotechnology; insulin from bacteria is modern.
💡Exam tip
- Biotechnology is the umbrella; genetic engineering the engine.
✅Quick check
1. Rapid amplification of DNA:
2. Genetic engineering alters:
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