Biotechnology involves applying biological processes for practical purposes, often using genetic manipulation. It spans diverse applications such as medicine, agriculture, and industry with a particular focus on genetically manipulating microorganisms to produce antibiotics, hormones, and other substances. 

Why is Bacteria used? 

Microorganisms, particularly bacteria, serve as invaluable agents in biotechnology for the production of foods and other useful substances. Mainly because of their:

• Ability to synthesize complex molecules through biochemical processes.

• Rapid reproduction rate of bacteria with short generation times. 

One of the primary uses of bacteria in this field is in the production of foods and other valuable substances through fermentation processes. Certain bacteria are employed in the industrial production of: 

• Yogurt 

• Enzymes 

• Organic Acids

Genetic makeup and Structure

The genetic makeup of bacteria consists of a single circular chromosome composed of DNA, often accompanied by plasmids carrying additional genetic material. 

• Bacterial DNA lacks a true nucleus and is contained within the nucleoid region of the cell. 

Bacteria may also possess extrachromosomal elements like plasmids, providing genetic flexibility. The structure of bacteria typically includes a cell wall, cell membrane, cytoplasm, ribosomes, and sometimes flagella or pili for movement and attachment.

Bacterial genetic makeup and structure allow easy manipulation, making them useful for producing complex molecules. They have a shared genetic code, simplifying genetic engineering processes and enabling the transfer of genes between different bacterial species.

Rapid Reproduction

Bacteria reproduce primarily through binary fission, a rapid process whereby a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells. This efficient method allows bacteria to complete a full reproductive cycle in as little as 20 minutes, enabling rapid population growth. Binary fission involves DNA replication, elongation of the cell, and division into two separate cells, ensuring quick proliferation.

Add binary fission animation already made 

Presence of Plasmids

The presence of plasmids in bacteria further enhances their utility in biotechnology. Plasmids are small, circular DNA molecules that can carry additional genes, providing bacteria with specific functionalities. In biotechnological applications, plasmids are often used as vectors for introducing and expressing foreign genes in bacteria.

In simple terms!

Microorganisms, like bacteria, are like tiny helpers that humans use to make food and useful things. Bacteria are especially handy because they can create complex stuff, such as turning milk into yogurt by adding special bacteria that have helpful enzymes. The cool thing about bacteria is that they can multiply really fast, making a lot of whatever we need quickly. This speediness makes them super useful for making things like medicines, foods, and other helpful stuff in a way that’s efficient and cost-effective. So, by teaming up with these tiny organisms, we can make lots of cool things to make our lives better!