Biotech (pt2)

Many of the products we eat, wear, and use are made using the tools of biotechnology. Using genetic engineering, scientists are able to enhance agronomic traits. Such as biotic and abiotic stress tolerance, growing season and yield, and output traits such as processing, shelf life and the nutritional content, texture, color, flavor, and other properties of production crops. Transgenic techniques are applied to farmed animals to improve the growth, fitness, and other qualities of agriculturally important mammals, poultry, and fish. Crops and animals can also be used as production systems for the production of important pharmaceuticals and industrial products. Enzymes produced using recombinant DNA methods are used to make cheese, keep bread fresh, produce fruit juices, wines, treat fabric for blue jeans and other denim clothing. Other recombinant DNA enzymes are used in laundry and automatic dishwashing detergents. We can also engineer microorganisms to improve the quality of our environment. In addition to the opportunities for a variety of new products, including biodegradable products, bioprocessing using engineered microbes and enzymes offers new ways to treat and use wastes and to use renewable resources as feedstocks for materials and fuel. Instead of depending on non-renewable fossil fuels we can engineer organisms to convert maize and cereal straw, forest products and municipal waste and other biomass to produce fuel, bioplastics and other useful commodities. Naturally occurring microorganisms are being used to treat organic and inorganic contaminants in soil, groundwater, and air. This application of biotechnology has created an environmental biotechnology industry important in water treatment, municipal waste management, hazardous waste treatment, bioremediation, and other areas. DNA fingerprinting, a biotech technique, has dramatically improved criminal investigation and forensic medicine, as well as afforded significant advances in anthropology and wildlife management. This book will aim to cover the history of biotech the tools and applications across time and disciplines and look to future potential at the confluence of technologies.