Introduction to Marine Biotechnology
What percentage of Earth’s surface is covered by oceans?
70%
What type of organisms are often used to develop new medicines in marine biotechnology?
Sponges, corals, and bacteria.
What is bioremediation?
The use of bacteria and fungi to clean pollutants like oil spills and plastics.
How does marine biotechnology link medicine and ecosystem restoration?
It develops medicines while also using natural processes to heal marine environments.
What is the main goal of marine biotechnology?
To use marine organisms to develop medicines, clean pollution, and create sustainable products.
What cancer treatment drug was developed from a Caribbean sponge?
Ara-C (Cytarabine) for leukemia.
Name one marine restoration method used for corals.
Cryopreservation of coral sperm for future reproduction.
What company is known for developing seaweed-based biofuels?
Sea Energy.
Name two modern scientific tools used in marine biotechnology.
DNA sequencing and bioinformatics.
Which advanced technique helps scientists study marine DNA and proteins?
Genomics and proteomics.
What role do kelp forests play in marine ecosystems?
They provide habitat, protect coastlines, and capture carbon dioxide.
What are the two main challenges in sustainable marine biotechnology?
Eco-friendly extraction methods and legal regulations.
What is bioprospecting?
The search for unique natural compounds in ocean organisms for industrial or medical use.
How does synthetic biology contribute to marine medicine?
It allows scientists to replicate natural marine compounds in the lab for sustainable production.
How can marine biotechnology improve aquaculture?
By breeding disease-resistant fish and improving feed digestibility.
How does coral hybridization help protect reefs?
It creates more heat-resistant coral species.
Which marine animal contributed to the development of the painkiller Ziconotide?
Cone snail
What is a major challenge in marine drug discovery?
Sustainable harvesting without harming marine ecosystems.
What type of renewable energy is derived from microalgae and seaweed?
Biofuels like biodiesel.
What technology allows scientists to rapidly test thousands of marine samples?
High-throughput screening.