The previous section describes the fundamental scientific and technological advances which together
constitute biotechnology. Here we describe some of the many tangible rewards afforded by biotech.
constitute biotechnology. Here we describe some of the many tangible rewards afforded by biotech.
Both academic and industrial scientists have come to depend on various biotechnologies to study the workings of biological systems in remarkably precise detail. These biotech research tools have allowed them to answer longstanding scientific questions and have changed the questions they ask, the problems they tackle and the methods they use to get answers.
Using the wealth of information this research provides, companies then rely on biotechnology tools and techniques throughout product development and commercialization.
Research Applications Of Biotechnology
Researchers use biotechnology to gain insight into the precise details of cell processes: the specific tasks
assigned to various cell types; the mechanics of cell division; the flow of materials in and out of cells; the path by which an undifferentiated cell becomes specialized; and the methods cells use to communicate with each other, coordinate their activities and respond to environmental changes.
assigned to various cell types; the mechanics of cell division; the flow of materials in and out of cells; the path by which an undifferentiated cell becomes specialized; and the methods cells use to communicate with each other, coordinate their activities and respond to environmental changes.
Researchers dissect these processes into the smallest possible bits of useful information. This requires identifying the molecular players involved in each facet of the process, elucidating the nature of their interactions and discovering the molecular control mechanisms that govern these interactions. Once they have teased apart details of the process, they must then reassemble the pieces in a way that provides insight into the inner workings of cells and, ultimately, of whole organisms.
Interestingly, the tools of biotechnology have also become important research tools in many branches of science other than cell and molecular biology, such as chemistry, engineering, materials science, ecology, evolution and computer science. The biotech-driven discoveries in these fields help the biotech industry and others discover and develop products, as well as help industries improve their performance in areas such as environmental stewardship
and workplace safety.