Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Biotechnology (pronounced: /ˌbaɪoʊtɛkˈnɒlədʒi/) is a broad area of biology, involving the use of living systems and organisms to develop or make products. Depending on the tools and applications, it often overlaps with related scientific fields.
Etymology
The term "biotechnology" was first used by Karl Ereky in 1919, meaning the production of products from raw materials with the aid of living organisms.
Definition
In the broadest sense, biotechnology is a practical application that uses biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or processes for specific use. This includes applications in various fields from agricultural practice to medical sector.
Fields of Application
Biotechnology has applications in four major industrial areas, including health care (medical biotechnology), crop production and agriculture (agricultural biotechnology), non-food (industrial) uses of crops and other products (e.g., biodegradable plastics, vegetable oil, biofuels), and environmental uses.
Medical Biotechnology
Medical biotechnology is a branch of biotechnology that applies biological methods and techniques to the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases. It involves the study and use of DNA, cells, and living organisms to develop pharmaceutical and diagnostic products that help treat and prevent human diseases.
Agricultural Biotechnology
Agricultural biotechnology, also known as agritech, is an area of agricultural science involving the use of scientific tools and techniques, including genetic engineering, molecular markers, molecular diagnostics, vaccines, and tissue culture, to modify living organisms: plants, animals, and microorganisms.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Biotechnology
- Wikipedia's article - Biotechnology
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