What is Biotechnology?
For thousands of years, humans have used living organisms in the process of fermentation to make different wines, beers, cheeses and breads. Strictly speaking, biotechnology uses living organisms that have been modified at the genetic level to produce useful commercial products. Fermentation, the selective breeding of animals and hand pollination stillfall within this definition.
Today, biotechnology also encompasses manufacturing processes that incorporate recent discoveries in genetic engineering such as recombinant DNA and monoclonal antibodies, but in a broader interpretation applies to any technique that manipulates or mimics a natural process to improve our physical and economic well-being.
The term "bioscience" includes biotechnology and other parts of the life sciences including manufacturing, commercial applications, and instrumentation such as computers.
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Biotech Applied Index
