Concept of Biotechnology

Biotechnology is the technique of bringing about improvements in living organisms by genetic modifications and hybridisation for human welfare. 
It is also described as the use of biological systems, cells, and organisms to develop useful products and services for human welfare.

The term biotechnology was coined by Karl Ereky in 1919.

Main basis:

• Biotechnology uses biological systems, cells, and biomolecules, along with genetic and non-genetic techniques, to advance human welfare.
• It integrates cytology, biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetic engineering.

Traditional and modern biotechnology:

• Traditional biotechnology involves small-scale processes like fermentation.
• Modern biotechnology is based on genetic engineering.
• Recombinant DNA technology developed by Cohen and Boyer (1973) made a major advance in modern biotechnology.

Two core techniques:

• Genetic engineering involves the alteration of DNA and RNA to obtain desired results in a directed manner using in vitro techniques.
• Bioprocess engineering works together with genetic engineering in modern biotechnology.

Techniques involved:

• Gene modification.
• PCR.
• Tissue culture.
• Molecular biology and genetics.
• Cytology and biochemistry.

Biotechnology has wide applications in agriculture and medicine, including the production of antibiotics, vaccines, and insulin, as well as the development of high-yield and disease-resistant crops.

• Biotechnology, a term coined by Karl Ereky in 1919, is the use of biological systems and genetic modifications to develop products and services for human welfare.
• Traditional biotechnology relies on small-scale, natural processes like fermentation (e.g., producing curd and wine), whereas modern biotechnology operates on a large scale.
• Modern biotechnology is fundamentally driven by two core techniques: genetic engineering (the targeted alteration of DNA and RNA) and bioprocess engineering.
• The field experienced a major breakthrough with the development of recombinant DNA technology by Cohen and Boyer in 1973.
• By integrating disciplines such as molecular biology and biochemistry, biotechnology enables crucial applications in both medicine (antibiotics, vaccines, insulin) and agriculture (high-yield, disease-resistant crops).