Chapter 8, Problem 1TMW

Why aren’t the terms recombinant DNA technology (genetic engineering) and biotechnology synonymous?

Summary Introduction

To tell:

Why the terms recombinant DNA technology and biotechnology are not synonymous.

Introduction:

The recombinant DNA technology involves isolation of genetic materials (DNA) from donor organisms (human, plant, or microorganism) and insertion of them into recipient organisms after genetic manipulation. The main tools involved in the techniques are nucleic acids, restriction enzymes, ligase, vectors, reverse transcriptase, and mutagens. This technology is used to introduce genetically modified organism (GMO). The main goals of this technology are to provide (i) elimination of undesirable phenotypic traits in organisms, (ii) creation of new organisms by combining two or more beneficial traits of donor organisms, and (iii) synthesis of beneficial products by the new organism for human need.

Explanation of Solution

Biotechnology is the use of microbes to produce or make products for human needs such as alcohol, cheese, bread, and soy sauce. This technology was used to produce large quantities of antibiotics, acetone, and butanol using bacterial metabolic reactions in the 20^th century. Recently, biotechnology is used to make vitamins, paper and textiles, and it is also involved for cleaning oil spills, industrial waste, and radioactive isotopes. Also, it helps for mining metals, like gold, copper, and uranium.

The recombinant DNA technology or genetic engineering is a type of biotechnology, which involves in the alteration of genetic material and phenotype of organisms for human benefits. It is used to replace the mutant gene with a normal gene for clinical uses and other applications. It also helps to create genetically modified organisms (GMO).

Conclusion

Biotechnology is used to produce large quantities of biological products and recombinant DNA technology is used to alter genotype or phenotype of organisms.