Biotechnology can be broadly defined as using living organisms or the

Biotechnology can be broadly defined as “using living organisms or their products for commercial purposes.” As such, biotechnology has been practiced since the beginning of recorded history in such activities as baking bread, brewing alcoholic beverages, or breeding food crops or domestic animals.

A narrower and more specific definition of biotechnology is “the commercial application of living organisms or their products, which involves the deliberate manipulation of their DNA molecules.” This definition implies a set of laboratory techniques developed within the last 20 years that have been responsible for the tremendous scientific and commercial interest in biotechnology, the founding of many new companies, and the redirection of research efforts and financial resources among established companies and universities.

Combining DNA from different existing organisms (plants, animals, insects, bacteria, etc.) results in modified organisms with a combination of traits from the parents. The sharing of DNA information takes place naturally through sexual reproduction and has been exploited in plant and animal breeding programs for many years.

However, sexual reproduction can occur only between plants and animals of the same species. A Holstein cow can be mated with a Hereford bull because the two animals are different breeds of the same species, cattle. But trying to mate a cow with a horse, a different species of animal, would not be successful.

What’s new since 1972 is that scientists have been able to identify the specific DNA genes for many desirable traits and transfer only those genes, usually carried on a plasmid or virus, into another organism. This provides a method to transfer DNA between any living cells (plant, animal, insect, bacterial, etc.). Virtually any desirable trait found in nature can, in principle, be transferred into any chosen organism. An organism modified by genetic engineering is called transgenic.

Specific applications of genetic engineering are abundant and increasing rapidly in number. Genetic engineering is being used in the production of pharmaceuticals, gene therapy, and the development of transgenic plants and animals.

1. Which of the following best describes the tone of the passage?

a. ambivalent
b. critical
c. defensive
d. enthusiastic
e. objective


2. Based on what’s been said thus far, what is the next paragraph most likely to discuss?

a. the effects of what would happen if a cow and horse were mated
b. the specific examples of biotechnology and its benefits to science
c. what happened in 1972 and which scientists were involved
d. who opposes the use of biotechnology
e. how the production of beer is not so different from the production of pharmaceuticals


3. The outcome of the mating of a Holstein cow and a Hereford bull would be called:

a. an abomination
b. transgenic
c. improbable
d. manipulation
e. transference


4. The relationship between transgenic plants and biotechnology is most like the relationship between:

a. a graham cracker crust and apple pie
b. hardwood floors and a shag carpet
c. an airline pilot and a jet plane
d. opiate abuse and addiction
e. sheet music and a grand piano


5. According to the passage, all the following are products of biotechnology EXCEPT:

a. new lines of pharmaceuticals
b. the breeding of transgenic animals
c. the production of alcoholic beverages
d. the development of viral warfare
e. the transferring of DNA between different organisms


6. Which of the following best summarizes the main idea of the passage?

a. The sweeping changes in the use of biotechnology since 1972 have redefined its necessity to mankind.
b. Although still in its fledgling stages, biotechnology shows promise to help benefit our society one day.
c. As the science of biotechnology continues to broaden and strengthen, the fruits of its applications become more powerful and abundant.
d. The swapping of DNA could sometimes yield beneficial results, but on the whole is too risky to undertake.
e. The development of transgenic plants is paramount to the development of better pharmaceuticals.