Biotechnology is the field of study that focuses on how industrial applications can improve the state of living organisms. Since the term “biotechnology” was coined in 1919, the best practices for biotech product development and commercialization have rapidly evolved. Humans have unknowingly used biotechnology practices in agriculture and medicine for thousands of years and have developed numerous scientific subfields like genomics, gene therapy, and immunology as a result. Gain insight into how the study of biotechnology impacts your daily life by exploring these three most interesting biotechnology facts to know.
Non-Human DNA
It’s reasonable to assume that human DNA consists of only human parts, but biotechnological data proves otherwise. The process of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) occurs when viruses and bacteria insert their DNA into human genetic material. Therefore, our genetic material is not entirely of human origin.
Non-Food Agriculture
Another interesting biotechnology fact to know is that modern biotechnology has revolutionized agricultural production. It has uncovered new ways to preserve crops and genetically modify specific foods to enhance and increase production. The application of non-food agriculture in biotechnology also helps develop plants that produce plastic, enzymes for industrial fermentation, and single-celled organisms that advance the production of textiles.
First Man-Made Cell
In 2010, scientist Craig Venter and his team at the J. Craig Venter Institute created the first living cell from scratch. The team developed the cell based on an existing bacterium and modeled it after a living organism but designed it with an entirely synthetic genome. The project was a defining moment in the history of biology since it resulted in the first living cell on our planet to exist without a parental unit.
Under the efforts of the National Institutes of Health, biotechnology has become a coveted field of study for universities worldwide. While some biotechnology practices, such as genetic modification of food, have ignited controversy, the study of modern biotechnology continues to advance our industrial processes for a higher standard of living.
