1. Biotechnology

2. • Biotechnology is a broad term covering
the use of biological discoveries for the
development of industrial processes and
the production of useful organisms and
their products

3. Traditional Biotechnology
• Fermentation techniques
– Bread, cheese and beer
• Animal and plant breeding
– Hybridisation

4. Modern Biotechnology
• Isolate single genes
• Manipulate to give desired characteristic
• Example; plants that repel specific and
targeted insect pests

5. Genetic Engineering
• Transferring single genes between
differing plants and animals
• Removing a gene from its original position
and placing it into a new position

6. Current and Potential Biotechnology
Applications
Health
• More specific therapeutics; reduced side
effects
• New and improved vaccines and
diagnostic tests
• Improved production of pharmaceuticals
• Testing and treatment for genetic diseases

7. Current and Potential Biotechnology
Applications
Agriculture
• Improved food storage and nutritional
quality
• Improved pest and disease resistance
• Selective herbicide tolerance
• New vaccines and diagnostic tests for
animal and plant diseases
• High yields and quality

8. Current and Potential Biotechnology
Applications
Forestry
• Faster tree growth
• Improved fibre and wood quality
• Disease resistance and saline tolerance

9. Current and Potential Biotechnology
Applications
Mining
• Leaching of ores
• Mine site rehabilitation

10. Current and Potential Biotechnology
Applications
Manufacturing and Bio-processing
• Improved production of high value
products
• Production of gas, liquid fuels and
commodity chemicals

11. Current and Potential Biotechnology
Applications
Environment
• Conversion of waste to energy
• Contaminant testing
• Treatment of solid waste and waste water
• Exotic weed and feral pest control
• Biomonitoring
• Bioindicators

12. Current and Potential Biotechnology
Applications
Food Processing
• Improved quality

13. Current and Potential Biotechnology
Applications
Beverages
• Improved maturation and preservation
techniques
• New and novel foods

14. Biotechnology is the application of scientific
knowledge to transfer beneficial generic
traits from one species to another to
enhance or protect an organism.
Leaders in biotechnology’s development are
applying scientific processes at the gene
level to affect expressed and inherited
traits.