Course: SAT 170 Introductory Biotechnology

Unit 8 Learning Module

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Modern Biotechnology

Two of the major types of media used for cell cultures: the broth is a liquid media often placed in test tubes or container; and the solid, agar containing media is often placed in a petri dish.
In this unit we will focus on the process of cloning. Recall from unit 6 that cloning, in the context of biotechnology, is a process or set of methods used to make identical copies of DNA fragments, cells or organisms. We previously discussed the methods known as molecular cloning to create copies of DNA molecules (unit 6) and proteins (unit 5).

Cell cloning, on the other hand relies on cell cultures. A cell culture is a process by which cells are grown in controlled conditions, typically in a laboratory environment. Bacterial and fungal organisms have been widely used in the field of biotechnology and the methods used to cultivate these cells are well established.

Cultures of animal and plant cells rely on the same basic methods as those for the culture of bacteria and fungi. However, because plants and animals represent complex multicellular organisms, the culturing methods for these cells are often more complicated as well. Recall from unit 2, that multicellular organisms are those which are composed of many cells. These cells are organized into tissues, organs and organ systems. Tissue cultures are made when fragments of tissues are taken from a plant or animal and are allowed to grow in an artificial environment. This culture can consist of single cells, clusters of cells, parts of an organ, or even an entire organ.