Biotechnology is a field of science that involves the use of living organisms, biological systems, or derivatives thereof to develop or create products and technologies for specific purposes. It combines principles from biology, chemistry, genetics, and engineering to manipulate biological processes for various applications. These applications include medicine, agriculture, environmental management, and industrial processes.
In medicine, biotechnology is used to develop new drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics. In agriculture, it aids in creating genetically modified organisms (GMOs) that can improve crop yield and resistance to pests or diseases. Environmental biotechnology involves the use of microorganisms to clean up contaminated environments, while industrial biotechnology focuses on using biological processes to produce substances through sustainable practices.
Overall, biotechnology is an interdisciplinary field that aims to harness biological materials and mechanisms to solve problems and enhance quality of life.