Biotechnology: Concepts, Tools and Applications

By Mayfield
306
2026

Description

Modern applications of biotechnology work most often through genetic engineering, which is also known as recombinant DNA technology. Genetic engineering works by modifying or interacting with the genetic cell structures. Every cell in an animal or plant contains genes that produce proteins. It's those proteins that determine the characteristics of the organism. By modifying or interacting with genes, scientists can strengthen the characteristics of an organism or create an entirely new organism. These modified and new organisms may be beneficial to humans, such as crops with higher yields or increased resistance to drought. Genetic engineering also enables the genetic modification and cloning of animals, two controversial developments. Biotechnology can be defined as the manipulation of biological process, systems, and organisms in the production of various products. With applications in a number of fields such as biomedical, chemical, mechanical, and civil engineering, research on the development of biologically inspired materials is essential to further advancement. Biotechnology is a rapidly evolving discipline that focuses on modifying biological organisms for manufacturing useful commodities. This book unravels the recent studies in the field of molecular biology, genomics, proteomics, bioinformatics and applications of biotechnology in medicine, agriculture and other scientific fields. It elucidates new techniques and their applications in a multidisciplinary approach. For all those who are interested in biotechnology, this comprehensive book can prove to be an essential guide. Biotechnology: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications is a vital reference source for the latest research findings on the application of biotechnology in medicine, engineering, agriculture, food production, and other areas. It also examines the economic impacts of biotechnology use. Highlighting a range of topics such as pharmacogenomics, biomedical engineering, and bioinformatics, this multi-volume book is ideally designed for engineers, pharmacists, medical professionals, practitioners, academicians, and researchers interested in the applications of biotechnology.

About Author

Professor Mayfield joined the University of Melbourne from the University of Queensland where she is a Professor of Ecology and Head of the School of Biological Sciences, currently ranking among the 20 best universities in the world for ecology. Originally from the US, Professor Mayfield has developed a large and thriving research group focused on plant and insect community ecology in Australia. She completed her PhD in biology in 2005 from Stanford University, with a focus on plant ecology and conservation, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at UC Santa Barbara before commencing at UQ in 2007. An accomplished researcher, Professor Mayfield has a track record of sustained research funding, including six ARC Discovery grants, two ARC Linkage grants and an ARC Future Fellowship over the last decade.

Table of Content

Preface v
Chapter 1. Introduction to Biotechnology

Definition and Scope of Biotechnology
Historical Background and Milestones
Traditional vs Modern Biotechnology
Explain Agriculture, Health, and Industry
Role in Sustainable Development

Chapter 2. Molecular Biology Foundations
DNA Structure and Function
Genes and Genetic Code
Genetic Mutations and Repair Mechanisms
RNA Types and Their Functions
Operon Concept and General Structure

Chapter 3. Genetic Engineering
Recombinant DNA Technology
Cloning Vectors and Plasmids
Restriction Enzymes and DNA Ligase
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Cdna Synthesis and Library 

Chapter 4. Cell and Tissue Culture
Plant Tissue Culture
Media Preparation and Sterilization
Somatic Embryogenesis and Organogenesis
Applications in Micropropagation
Hybridoma Technology and Monoclonal Antibodies

Chapter 5. Genomics and Proteomics
Human Genome Project Overview
Functional and Structural Genomics
Basics of Proteomics and Protein Structure
2D Gel Electrophoresis and Mass Spectrometry
Transcriptomics and Metabolomics

Chapter 6. Bioinformatics
Defination, History and Goals of Bioinformatics
Biological Databases 
Sequence Alignment (Blast, Fasta)
Phylogenetic Tree Construction
Structural Bioinformatics
Chapter 7. Microbial Biotechnology
Role of Microorganisms in Industry
Fermentation Technology
Antibiotic and Enzyme Production
Microbial Genetics 
Single Cell Protein (SCP)

Chapter 8. Agricultural Biotechnology
Genetically Modified Crops
Genetic Engineering Techniques
Biofertilizers and Biopesticides
Stress Tolerance in Plants
Tissue Culture in Crop Improvement

Chapter 9. Animal Biotechnology
Cloning in Animals (Dolly the Sheep)
Applications in Veterinary Medicine
Animal Genomics and Genetic Testing
Embryo Transfer and Artificial Insemination
Xenotransplantation

Chapter 10. Environmental Biotechnology
Bioremediation and Its Types
Biodegradable Plastics
Bioleaching and Biomining
Carbon Sequestration Technologies
Climate Change Mitigation

Bibliography
Index