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 Bacteria
and big business? Enzymes and industry? Industrial applications
of genetic engineering could revolutionize all kinds of products
and processes. Explore more about industry's expectations for genetic
engineering (GE).
Current Uses
The use of genetic engineering in industry tends to be for specific
processes or products.
There are some patterns of use developing that could be of real
benefit to the environment.
Patterns
Genetic engineering may make it possible to decrease reliance on
fossil fuels. Industries rely heavily on fossil fuels, like petroleum,
to fuel their manufacturing processes and to create many of their
products. Fossil fuels carry a heavy environmental price tag and
aren't renewable.
Genetic engineering could provide alternative energy sources. Genetically
engineered fuels are
renewable and easier on the environment than fossil fuels.
Another pattern of use
emerging for genetic engineering is finding ways to replace harsh
chemicals used in manufacturing processes.
Industries are investigating
ways to genetically engineer proteins and enzymes to do the work
of the chemicals.
Bacteria and other microorganisms
are everywhere and perform a mind-boggling variety of work. Scientists
say we've only discovered one percent of the existing microorganisms
and what they can do. Through a process called bioprospecting more
is being discovered about the abilities of these organisms.
Once a useful process is discovered, genetic engineering can be
used to replicate the process on a widespread scale.
Source
A.u. University of Florida Digest. "UF Biotech
Breakthrough Drives World's First Biomass-to-Ethanol Plant in Jennings,
La." (Online.) (http://www.napa.ufl.edu/digest/old/1998-99/biomass.htm).
September 2002.
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Future
Fuels
 Biotech
breakthroughs are making alternative fuels cheaper to produce. More
Plenty of Products
 The
sky's the limit when it comes to the number of new products that
could result from genetic engineering. So what's in the works?
More
Bioprospecting
 What's
the new frontier for adventurous explorers More
Laundry Detergent
 How
did genetic engineering get mixed up in laundry detergent? More
IPTV
Market to Market Links
Biotech
Roundup
From nutrition labels on food to crop verification software, information
is becoming a big part of the food sector of the economy.
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