What Is Biotechnology?

Using biological processes is hardly a noteworthy
event. We began growing crops and raising animals
10,000 years ago to provide a stable supply of food
and clothing. We have used the biological processes of
microorganisms for 6,000 years to make useful food
products, such as bread and cheese, and to preserve
dairy products. Why is biotechnology suddenly receiving
so much attention?
During the 1960s and ’70s our understanding of biology
reached a point where we could begin to use the
smallest parts of organisms—their biological molecules—
in addition to using whole organisms.
A more appropriate definition in the new sense of the
word is this:
“New” Biotechnology—the use of cellular and
biomolecular processes to solve problems or make
useful products.
We can get a better handle on the meaning of the word
biotechnology by simply changing the singular noun
to its plural form, biotechnologies.
Biotechnology is a collection of technologies that capitalize
on the attributes of cells, such as their manufacturing
capabilities, and put biological molecules, such
as DNA and proteins, to work for us.