Definitions [2]
Define.
Biotechnology
The technique of bringing about improvements in living organisms by genetic modifications and hybridization, for the welfare of human beings is known as ‘Biotechnology’.
Definition: Hybrid Seeds
Seeds produced by recombination of genes from two different crop varieties to obtain improved characteristics, especially in fruits, are called hybrid seeds.
Key Points
Key Points: Biotechnology
- Biotechnology is 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 (1919).
- Traditional biotechnology involves small-scale processes like fermentation (e.g., curd, cheese, wine), while modern biotechnology is large-scale and based on genetic engineering.
- Modern biotechnology was advanced by recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology developed by Cohen and Boyer (1973).
- It involves techniques like gene modification, PCR, and tissue culture, and integrates fields like molecular biology and genetics.
- Biotechnology has wide applications in agriculture and medicine, such as the production of antibiotics, vaccines, insulin, and the development of high-yield and disease-resistant crops.
