Summary
The use of living organisms or their parts to make products or solve problems.
In depth
Traditional biotechnology includes brewing, cheese and bread; modern includes recombinant DNA, monoclonal antibodies, tissue engineering and genome editing. Sectors are coloured: red (medical), green (agricultural), white (industrial) and blue (marine).
Applications are grouped by sector: medical (vaccines, biologics), agricultural (crops, livestock), industrial (enzymes, biofuels) and environmental (bioremediation). Biotechnology relies on knowledge of DNA, proteins and cell culture.
Key idea: biotechnology is old (fermentation) but modern tools allow precise changes.
Biotechnology uses cells, organisms or biomolecules to make products or processes. It has ancient roots in brewing, baking and cheese-making, and modern branches such as medical (red), agricultural (green), industrial (white) and marine (blue) biotechnology.
The field was transformed in the 1970s by recombinant DNA, which let scientists move genes between species, and again in the 2010s by genome editing and cheap sequencing. Products now include insulin, vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, enzymes in detergents and engineered crops.
Example: yeast engineered to make a malaria drug precursor.
Frequently asked questions
What is Biotechnology?
The use of living organisms or their parts to make products or solve problems.
Which area of biology covers Biotechnology, and how advanced is it?
Biotechnology is one of the 56 topics in Biotechnology & Genomics. It is rated Beginner, so it suits learners who are starting out in biology. Related topics in this area include Genetic Engineering, Metabolic Pathway Engineering in Yeast, Industrial Fermentation.
Why does Biotechnology matter?
It offers tools for health, food and sustainability but needs regulation and ethical oversight.
Can you give an example of Biotechnology?
The biotech industry produces insulin, enzymes and vaccines.
What should I learn before Biotechnology?
Biotechnology is a Beginner topic, so no earlier topic is required. Other Beginner topics in Biotechnology & Genomics that pair well with it include Genetic Engineering, Selective Breeding, GMOs.
What topics are related to Biotechnology?
The closest topics to Biotechnology are Genetic Engineering, Metabolic Pathway Engineering in Yeast, Industrial Fermentation, Synthetic Biology. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Biotechnology?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Biotechnology. To practise the whole of Biotechnology & Genomics, use the Biotechnology & Genomics quiz.
How is Biotechnology different from Genetic Engineering?
Biotechnology: The use of living organisms or their parts to make products or solve problems. Genetic Engineering: Direct alteration of an organism's genes, often by inserting DNA from another species. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Biotechnology step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Genetic Engineering and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Biotechnology & Genomics quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.