Biological material

Biological Material refers to substances derived from living organisms that are used in laboratory-based scientific research. These materials include blood, DNA, RNA, proteins, cells, and tissues. They are essential for the advancement of biotechnology, genetics, molecular biology, and medicine.

Overview

Biological materials are complex mixtures of organic and inorganic compounds, which are used in a wide range of applications in the field of life sciences. They are typically obtained from human, animal, plant, or microbial sources. The use of these materials in research has led to significant advancements in our understanding of biological processes and the development of new therapeutic strategies.

Types of Biological Material

Human Biological Material

Human biological material includes any tissue, organ, blood, plasma, skin, serum, DNA, RNA, proteins, cells, hair, nails, urine, saliva, or other bodily fluids. These materials are often used in medical research to understand the causes of diseases and develop new treatments.

Animal Biological Material

Animal biological material is often used in research as a model to study human disease. This includes tissues, organs, blood, cells, and genetic material from a variety of species.

Plant Biological Material

Plant biological material includes seeds, leaves, stems, roots, flowers, and genetic material. These materials are used in research to understand plant biology and develop new agricultural techniques.

Microbial Biological Material

Microbial biological material includes bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms. These materials are used in research to understand microbial biology and develop new antibiotics and vaccines.

Handling and Storage

Biological materials must be handled and stored properly to maintain their integrity and ensure their safe use. This includes appropriate temperature control, prevention of contamination, and adherence to ethical guidelines.

Ethical Considerations

The use of biological material in research often raises ethical considerations, particularly when human material is involved. Researchers must obtain informed consent from donors and ensure that the material is used in a manner that respects the rights and privacy of the donor.

See Also

• Biobank
• Biological sample
• Biological specimen
• Biological hazard