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.
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 Transgenic Organisms, Industrial Fermentation, Reporter Genes.
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 Transgenic Organisms, Industrial Fermentation, Reporter Genes, 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 Transgenic Organisms?
Biotechnology: The use of living organisms or their parts to make products or solve problems. Transgenic Organisms: Organisms carrying foreign genes stably integrated in their genome. 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 Transgenic Organisms and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Biotechnology & Genomics quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.