What are the limitations of using bacteria in biotechnological applications?

Bacteria in biotechnological applications are limited by their growth conditions, genetic complexity, and potential pathogenicity.

Bacteria are widely used in biotechnology due to their fast growth, ease of manipulation, and ability to produce a variety of products. However, they also have certain limitations. One of the main limitations is their growth conditions. Bacteria require specific conditions such as temperature, pH, and nutrient availability to grow and function optimally. Any deviation from these conditions can affect their growth and productivity, making it challenging to maintain these conditions on a large scale.

Another limitation is the genetic complexity of bacteria. While bacteria have a simpler genome compared to eukaryotes, they still possess a significant amount of genetic material. This can make genetic manipulation difficult and time-consuming. Additionally, the presence of plasmids and other extrachromosomal DNA can complicate genetic engineering efforts.

Bacteria also have the potential to be pathogenic. While many bacteria are harmless, some can cause disease in humans, animals, and plants. This raises safety concerns when using bacteria in biotechnology. For example, if a genetically modified bacterium were to escape from a laboratory or industrial setting, it could potentially cause harm to the environment or public health.

Furthermore, bacteria may not be suitable for the production of certain complex molecules. For example, eukaryotic proteins often undergo post-translational modifications such as glycosylation, which bacteria are unable to perform. This means that bacteria may not be able to produce certain therapeutic proteins or other complex molecules that require these modifications.

Lastly, bacteria can also develop resistance to antibiotics, which are often used in biotechnology to select for genetically modified cells. This can make it difficult to maintain a pure culture of the desired bacteria, and can also contribute to the broader issue of antibiotic resistance.