What is the significance of monoclonal antibodies in medicine?
Monoclonal antibodies are used to target and neutralize specific pathogens or cancer cells.
Explain the term 'personalized medicine.'
Personalized medicine involves tailoring medical treatment to the individual characteristics of each patient, often by using genetic information.
What are stem cells and their use in biotechnology?
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that can develop into different cell types. They are used in regenerative medicine to repair damaged tissues.
What is insulin and how is it produced biotechnologically?
Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood glucose levels. It is produced using recombinant DNA technology in genetically modified bacteria.
Name an example of a vaccine developed using biotechnology.
The hepatitis B vaccine is an example, produced by integrating the viral gene into yeast cells to produce the antigen.
What is pharmacogenomics?
Pharmacogenomics is the study of how genes affect a person's response to drugs, allowing for more effective and safer drug prescriptions.
How does biotechnology assist in cancer treatment?
Biotechnology assists in cancer treatment by developing targeted therapies, such as immunotherapy and gene therapy, which attack cancer cells specifically.
Explain the concept of bioinformatics.
Bioinformatics combines biology, computer science, and information technology to analyze and interpret biological data, especially genetic data.
What role does biotechnology play in developing diagnostic tests?
Biotechnology enables the development of rapid and accurate diagnostic tests using techniques like RT-PCR.
What is a 'biomarker' and its importance in medicine?
A biomarker is a biological molecule found in blood or tissues that indicates a normal or pathological process or disease state, crucial for diagnosis and treatment planning.
Describe one example of a biotechnological advancement in mental health care.
Advanced imaging techniques and genetic research have improved the understanding and treatment of mental health disorders.
What biotechnological method is used for prenatal testing?
Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) analyzes small fragments of fetal DNA circulating in a pregnant woman's blood.
How is biotechnology used in surgical procedures?
Biotechnology has advanced surgical tools and techniques, such as using biomaterials for implants and tissue engineering for grafts.
What is the role of biotechnology in infectious disease control?
Biotechnology plays a role in infectious disease control by developing vaccines, diagnostic tests, and antiviral drugs.
Name one biotechnology method used to enhance organ transplants.
3D bioprinting is used to produce organ tissues, potentially enhancing organ transplants and reducing rejection rates.