Modern biotechnology deals more with the treatment of ailments and the alteration of organisms to better human life. Most breakthroughs in biotechnology have been relatively recent, with the earliest advancement about 170 years ago with the discovery of microbes. Proteins were discovered only in 1830, with the isolation of the first enzyme following closely 3 years later. In 1859, Charles Darwin published his revolutionary book On the Origin of Species. Six years later, Gregor Mendel, who is considered the father of modern genetics, discovered the laws of heredity and set the groundwork for genetic research. Near the turn of the century, Louis Pasteur and Robert Koch provided the basis for research in microbiology. These numerous advancements allowed modern biotechnology to rise. In the early twentieth century, the modern biotechnology movement started, particularly in immunology and genetics. Penicillin, computers, the discovery of DNA as the genetic basis, the use of bacteria to treat raw sewage (bioremediation project) are significant developments in this direction. Revolution in forensics and biomedical science took place with the new laboratory methods such as DNA sequencing, protein analysis, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The millennium ended with the introduction of the first cloned sheep (named Dolly), which started the debate over the ethical issues relating to biotechnology, stem cell research, genetic testing, and genetically modified organisms. Modern biotechnology received a big boost when Watson and Crick discovered the double helix of DNA structure, which allowed researchers to study the genetic code of life in detail and opened an era of genetic engineering, genetic mapping, or genetic manipulation. The twenty-first century started with the development of the rough draft of the human genome, or the map of human life. The milestones in the field of biotechnology are listed in Table 1.1.

مواضيع ذات صلة

The Biology of Restriction Enzymes

The Isolation of DNA

ANCIENT BIOTECHNOLOGY

DEFINITIONS OF BIOTECHNOLOGY

Future Perspectives of Biofuels and Biotechnology

Biobutanol

Ethanol Production from Biomass

Improved Production of Corn Ethanol

Application of Biotechnology Tools to Biofuels Processes

Biodiesel

Production of The Major Biofuels

Introduction to Biofuels