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Opportunities and benefits |
Opportunities and benefits of biotechnology
Biotechnology provides great potential in the area of plant breeding, in particular. Today's crop plants have been optimized over thousands of years by means of traditional breeding methods. As a result, these crops are only remotely similar to their "natural" predecessors. However, traditional breeding methods require a great deal of time. It took almost 100 years to increase the sugar content of sugar beets from three per cent to almost 20 percent today by means of breeding. The research results from the laboratories of metanomics and SunGene are very promising. Our scientists identify and analyze thousands of plant genes there. We want to utilize the most interesting genes for agricultural crops.
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New possibilities with more precise methods
Plant biotechnology optimizes traditional methods. Specific new characteristics can be achieved in a targeted manner by introducing well-characterized genes into existing crops or removing them. In addition to this, plant biotechnology allows us to combine positive qualities from the genomes of various species. These combinations open up completely new opportunities for BASF in its research into high-performance and resource-saving crop plants.
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Simplifying complicated processes
However, biotechnology is not only concerned with plants. White biotechnology is an important area at BASF. It allows products to be manufactured in a few steps or even a single one with the aid of living cells or single enzymes. This means that BASF can greatly simplify multi-stage syntheses and thus conserve valuable resources.
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Requirements of future markets
BASF's research activities do not stop at patent applications because technology is not an end in itself. It must be economically viable, and the products manufactured must create added value for BASF and for our customers. Biotechnology has this potential. It will fundamentally change fields of business such as nutrition, agriculture and fine chemicals. Building on our expertise in these fields, we are actively shaping the market. Our biotechnological know-how is complemented by our experience and abilities in the development and marketing of successful products.
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For further information on innovative subjects please see:
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