Syllabus Bites: Solving world problems with biotechnology

Biotechnology

What is biotechnology?

The syllabus defines biotechnology as ‘the use of living things to make or change products’. CSIRO describe biotechnology as both an ancient art and a modern science1.

Small wooden figurines of people wearing loin cloths and around a vat and jars, making beer.

Model of ancient Egyptian beer making

Modern biotechnology includes gene technology.4 Other areas where technology and biological science have advanced our understanding and solved problems include agriculture (plant and animal disease, crop cultivation, animal husbandry, plant propagation), food preservation, hygiene and sewage and waste treatments.

Ac opper vat containing milk suspended over an open fire.

Ancient Swiss method of making cheese

Notes for teachers icon

Arrow Check your understanding of biotechnology.

Links

  1. http://www.csiro.au/Organisation-Structure/Divisions/Plant-Industry/what-is-biotechnology.aspx
  2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:EMS-89615-Rosecrucian-Egyptian-BeerMaking.jpg
  3. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
  4. http://education.technyou.edu.au/view/87/131/then-and-now
  5. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:CheeseMakingAncient.jpg
  6. http://education.technyou.edu.au/glossary/biotechnology
  7. http://education.technyou.edu.au/sites/default/files/images/traditionalposter.jpg
  8. http://education.technyou.edu.au/view/360/361/biotechnology-reading
  9. http://www.childrensmuseum.org/themuseum/biotech/timeline.htm