Biotechnology

Biotechnology is a modern and applied branch of biology. The term biotechnology was first introduced in 1919 by the Hungarian agricultural engineer Karl Ereky.

The word “Biotechnology” is a combination of two words: Biology and Technology. The development of the modern world depends on both science and technology. A country advanced in science and technology is also advanced in economy, communication, and energy.

What Biotechnology Is Not

Not all technology falls under biotechnology:

• Making bricks from clay is a type of technology.

• Extracting oil and gas from deep underground depends on technology.

• Instant communication and mobile phone use rely on technology.

These are examples of technology but not biotechnology.

Examples of Biotechnology

• Yogurt production: Selecting good bacterial strains to produce quality yogurt.

• Alcohol production: One of the oldest forms of biotechnology.

• Biogas production: Using bacteria to produce biogas from decomposing biomass.

• Modern biotechnology: Producing thousands of seedlings from small pieces of dividing tissue in the laboratory.

After the invention of recombinant DNA technology (genetic engineering) in the 1970s, biotechnology gained a new dimension.

Scope of Biotechnology

The scope of biotechnology is ever-expanding. Future advances in biology and civilization will depend heavily on biotechnology.

Key areas of biotechnology include:

1. Blue Biotechnology: Aquatic and marine applications.

2. Green Biotechnology: Agricultural applications.

3. Red & White Biotechnology: Medical and industrial applications.

Branches of Biotechnology

Biotechnology encompasses various fields applied to plants, animals, microorganisms, and products with improved properties.

Definitions of Biotechnology

According to Coleman (1968):

Biotechnology is the technology applied to produce new plants, animals, microorganisms, or products with improved properties useful for the welfare of humanity using living plants, animals, microorganisms, or their parts.

Other definitions:

• Biotechnology is the art of technological use of organisms for human welfare and betterment.

• Biotechnology is the production of essential goods and services using biological materials through scientific and strategic principles for humans, plants, and animals.

• Biotechnology is the controlled use of biological agents, such as microorganisms or cellular products, for human welfare and other living organisms.

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