Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
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What Is
Biotechnology?
Biotechnology , in its most general meaning, is the use of biologic
processes to create a product for human use and benefit. Today,
when people use the term biotechnology , we usually think they
mean the application of modern methods of manipulation of DNA
( deoxyribonucleic acid ), the genetic information of an organism, to
make a product. In fact, biotechnology is ancient, providing the basis
for making a wide range of products, including bread, cheese, beer,
and wine. These early forms of biotechnology relied on fermentation ,
the breakdown by microorganisms of organic molecules, particularly
sugars, into simpler compounds, often CO 2 (carbon dioxide). In
practice, fermentation involves holding the material under condi-
tions that allow the microorganisms to increase in number, and to
change the original material through chemical reactions inside the
cells. The starting material in fermentation can be bread dough,
made of flour, water, and yeast, or grape juice plus yeast.
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