Biotechnology: Principles and Processes Mind Map

Biotechnology is the use of organisms, cells, enzymes or biological molecules to develop useful products and processes, especially through genetic engineering and bioprocess engineering.

When asked for principles, write both parts: genetic manipulation of DNA and large-scale aseptic production through bioprocess engineering.

The tools of recombinant DNA technology are biological agents and systems used to cut DNA, join DNA, carry foreign DNA and introduce it into a host cell.

For tool questions, write the tool name with its exact function: restriction enzyme cuts, ligase joins, vector carries, host cell multiplies.

A cloning vector is a DNA molecule that can carry foreign DNA into a host cell and replicate there; selectable markers help identify cells that have received the vector.

For vector questions, always mention ori, selectable marker and cloning site; for insertional inactivation, mention disruption of marker expression.

The steps in recombinant DNA technology are the ordered procedures used to isolate a desired gene, insert it into a vector, introduce it into a host, select transformants, express the gene and process the product.

For long answers, write steps in order and use action verbs: isolate, cut, amplify, ligate, transform, select, express, purify.

Gel electrophoresis is a technique used to separate DNA fragments according to size by moving them through an agarose gel under an electric field.

Mention both principles: DNA is negatively charged and agarose gel separates fragments mainly by size.

A bioreactor is a vessel that provides controlled conditions for large-scale growth of cells or microbes, while downstream processing includes recovery, purification and quality testing of the product.

In diagram answers, connect each label to function: stirrer mixes, sparger aerates, sensors monitor, and jacket or controls maintain conditions.