Biotechnology and Genetic Modification: The Superpowers of Tiny Bacteria 

 

What is Biotechnology?

• Biotechnology is the use of living organisms, like bacteria, to make useful products for humans, such as medicine or food. Think of it as hiring tiny “biological workers” to do important jobs.

 

What is Genetic Modification?

• Genetic Modification is when scientists change the DNA of an organism to give it new, helpful traits. It’s like editing the instruction manual inside a cell to make it better at something, like producing insulin for diabetes patients.

 

Why Are Bacteria Useful?

Bacteria are ideal for biotechnology and genetic modification because:

Reason	Explanation
Rapid Reproduction	Bacteria divide quickly, producing lots of copies in a short time. This makes them efficient!
Simple DNA Structure	Their DNA is easy to manipulate, especially their plasmids (tiny loops of DNA).
Make Complex Molecules	Bacteria can produce proteins, enzymes, and other chemicals needed for medicine or industry.
Few Ethical Concerns	Unlike animals or humans, using bacteria for research and production doesn’t raise ethical issues.

 

How Do Scientists Use Bacteria?

Scientists use bacteria to produce useful products through a few key steps:

1. Identify the Desired Gene

   • Example: The gene for human insulin production.

2. Cut and Insert the Gene

   • Use enzymes to cut the desired gene from DNA and insert it into a bacterial plasmid.

3. Put the Plasmid into Bacteria

   • The bacteria take up the plasmid and start using the new gene to make the desired product.

4. Grow the Bacteria

   • The bacteria are grown in large tanks (fermenters), producing the product in bulk.

5. Harvest the Product

   • Scientists extract the product (like insulin) from the bacteria.