Environmental Biotechnology
INTRODUCTION
The environment around us has
always been a source of new products and stimulated our imagination in
developing new technologies. Our species is very successful at harnessing the
environment for our benefit. We are also good at destroying or harming the
environment for immediate gains. The readily visible world has been charted and
mapped, but areas under the ocean and in the deep recesses of jungles are still
unknown. In fact, many parts of the visible world still harbor unknown life
forms invisible to the naked eye, including bacteria and viruses. These are
found in the air, water, and land. Many have unique metabolisms, and some have
abilities never seen before. Many can live in extreme environments, once
thought too hot or too dry for life to exist.
Estimates predict that about
1031 to 1032 viral particles are present in the
biosphere, an order of magnitude more than host cells. The virosphere, as it is sometimes known, is probably one of the
biggest sources of novel genes. At the time of writing, only about 0.1% to 1%
of microorganisms have been cultured. Even the majority of those found growing
at moderate temperatures in soil or other normal habitats have not been
cultured. In addition to DNA inside life forms, there is much free DNA in the
environment that might also be a source of new genes. The field of
environmental biotechnology has revolutionized the study of these previously
hidden life forms and DNA. What kinds of secrets do they harbor? What kinds of
new enzymes and proteins can be identified?
Molecular biology techniques
are now being applied directly to the environment to investigate the uncultured
viruses and bacteria. PCR is routinely used to amplify random sequences from
many environmental samples in the hope of identifying new genes. After PCR, the
DNA is sequenced. Then bioinformatics reveals whether or not the sequence (or a
close relative) has already been identified or if it is completely novel.
Microarrays are also being created to compare the numbers and types of
organisms present in different environments. Almost every recombinant DNA
methodology discussed in the first half of this book can be applied to
environmental samples.
Environmental biotechnology
is divided into different areas. These include direct studies of the
environment, research with a focus on applications to the environment, or
research that applies information from the environment to other venues. This
chapter focuses on direct analyses of the environment and the natural biochemical
processes that are present, whereas upcoming chapters cover research with
environmental applications or results from environmental research with
practical applications. Surveying different environments may identify new life
forms, new metabolic pathways, or novel individual genes. Genomics techniques
have revolutionized this field, and it is rapidly expanding.
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