Biotechnology industry
Biotechnology Industry
The Biotechnology Industry (pronunciation: /ˌbaɪoʊtɛkˈnɒlədʒi ˈɪndəstri/) is a sector that uses biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or processes for specific use.
Etymology
The term "Biotechnology" is derived from the Greek words "bios" (life) and "technologia" (study of craft). The term was first used by a Hungarian engineer, Karl Ereky, in 1919. The term "Industry" comes from the Latin word "industria" which means diligence, hard work.
History
The Biotechnology Industry has its roots in the agricultural and food production industries. The use of yeast in bread making and fermentation in wine production are early examples of biotechnology. In the 20th century, the industry expanded to include pharmaceuticals and medical applications.
Key Concepts
The Biotechnology Industry involves several key concepts:
- Genetic Engineering: The direct manipulation of an organism's genes using biotechnology.
- Bioinformatics: An interdisciplinary field that develops methods and software tools for understanding biological data.
- Bioprocessing: The use of living cells or their components (e.g., bacteria, enzymes, chloroplasts) to manufacture desired products.
- Pharmacogenomics: The study of how genes affect a person's response to drugs.
Related Industries
The Biotechnology Industry is closely related to several other industries:
- Pharmaceutical Industry: The industry responsible for the discovery, production, and marketing of drugs.
- Agriculture Industry: The industry involved in the cultivation of plants and rearing of animals for food, fiber, medicinal plants, and other products used to sustain and enhance human life.
- Environmental Industry': The industry that provides goods and services that measure, prevent, limit, or correct environmental damage.
See Also
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