Chapter 10: Biotechnology
Chapter Overview
Learning Objectives
By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:
- Define biotechnology and genetic engineering, and describe their development from traditional practices to modern molecular techniques.
- Explain recombinant DNA technology, including the roles of vectors, restriction enzymes, and gene cloning in producing genetically modified organisms (GMOS).
- Describe how CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing works and how it differs from traditional recombinant DNA methods in precision and application.
- Identify key applications of genetic engineering in medicine (e.g., insulin production, gene therapy), agriculture (e.g., transgenic crops), and the environment (e.g., bioremediation).
- Distinguish between embryonic, adult, and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and discuss their roles in regenerative medicine, drug testing, and disease modelling.
- Describe reproductive cloning and evaluate its uses in conservation, agriculture, research, and potential de-extinction efforts.
- Evaluate the ethical, legal, and social implications of biotechnology, including genetic privacy, gene editing, and designer babies.
- Explain how gene therapy and CRISPR technologies are applied to treat genetic diseases, cancers, and viral infections.
OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT. [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat
Prompt: Can you give me the learning objectives from this chapter’s content?
