microorganisms in biotechnologies

• Biotechnology = The use of biological organisms or molecules in the service of humans.
• Direct food production is where micro organisms are cultured to produce large quantities and then eaten.

  Indirect food production is where the by-product of a microbial reaction is used to produce food. 
• • The human gene for insulin production (Humulin) is mapped and isolated.
  • Restriction enzymes cut out the Humulin gene using restriction endonucleases.
  • Plasmid extracted from a bacterium and cut using restriction endonucleases.
  • Use of the restriction endonuclease leaves sticky ends exposed.
  • Ligase binds the Humulin gene to the plasmid via complimentary base pairing.
  • Phosphodiester bonds are formed.
  • Recombinant plasmid is reinserted into bacterium.
  • Using electroporation 
• • Bioremediation is used to mitigate pollution or contaminants in the soil or water.
  • Some micro-organisms have the ability to feed on or break down harmful chemicals
  • This reduces environmental damage.
  • Because metabolites produced are less harmful