7.5.2

Food Production: Biotechnology

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Biotechnology

Biotechnology is the use of biological processes to develop or make products. Modern biotechnology techniques include:

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Growing microorganisms for food

  • Mycoprotein is a food source that is high in protein and fibre, low in fat and suitable for vegetarians.
  • It is produced by growing the fungus Fusarium in vats called fermenters under aerobic conditions and using glucose syrup as a food source.
  • Eventually, the biomass is harvested, before finally being purified and used to make meat substitutes.
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Genetic modification

  • Genetically modified crops have the potential to provide more food, including more nutritious food.
  • Golden rice, for example, is genetically modified to contain a molecule that helps make vitamin A.
  • If distributed effectively, golden rice can play a significant role in reducing the large number of cases of vitamin A deficiency worldwide.

Jump to other topics

1Cell Biology

1.1What's in Cells?

1.2Cell Division

1.3Transport in Cells

2Organisation

2.1Principles of Organisation

2.2Enzymes

2.3Circulatory System

2.4Non-Communicable Diseases

2.5Plant Tissues, Organs & Systems

3Infection & Response

4Bioenergetics

5Homeostasis & Response

5.1Homeostasis

5.2The Human Nervous System

5.3Hormonal Coordination in Humans

5.4Plant Hormones

6Inheritance, Variation & Evolution

7Ecology

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