Biotechnology

This page intentionally left blank Biotechnology Fifth edition Biotechnology is the major technology of the twenty-first century – yet few people realise how much it impacts on many aspects of human society. The defining aim of this new fifth edition is to re-establish the correct understanding of the term biotechnology. Using the straightforward style that made the previous editions of his textbook so popular, John Smith once again helps students and general readers alike with the deciphering and use of biological knowledge. He explains the historical developments in biotechnology and the range of activities from brewing beer, the treatment of sewage and other wastes, and the creation of biofuels. He also discusses the innovations in molecular biology, genomics and proteomics, systems biology and their impact on new biotechnology. In this edition John Smith also re-examines the ethics and morality of aspects of biotechnology and puts new emphasis on stem cells and regenerative medicine and micro RNA. John E. Smith is Emeritus Professor of Applied Microbiology in the Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow and Scientific Advisor to GlycaNova, Norway. Biotechnology Fifth edition John E. Smith University of Strathclyde CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS Cambridge, New York, Melbourne, Madrid, Cape Town, Singapore, São Paulo Cambridge University Press The Edinburgh Building, Cambridge CB2 8RU, UK Published in the United States of America by Cambridge University Press, New York www.cambridge.org Information on this title: www.cambridge.org/9780521884945 © J. E. Smith 1981, 1988, 2009 This publication is in copyright. Subject to statutory exception and to the provision of relevant collective licensing agreements, no reproduction of any part may take place without the written permission of Cambridge University Press. First published in print format 2009 ISBN-13 978-0-511-46394-5 eBook (EBL) ISBN-13 978-0-521-88494-5 hardback ISBN-13 978-0-521-71193-7 paperback Cambridge University Press has no responsibility for the persistence or accuracy of urls for external or third-party internet websites referred to in this publication, and does not guarantee that any content on such websites is, or will remain, accurate or appropriate. I dedicate this fifth edition to my grown-up children, Sheri, Jill and Fraser, who have been a constant source of inspiration. Contents Preface page xi Chapter 1 The nature of biotechnology 1 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1 Introduction What is biotechnology? Biotechnology: an interdisciplinary pursuit Biotechnology: a three-component central core Product safety Public perception of biotechnology Biotechnology and the developing world 13 Chapter 2 Bioma