BIOTECHNOLOGY: PRINCIPLES
AND PROCESSES
Biotechnology encompasses the techniques of using live organisms or enzymes derived from them to produce products and processes beneficial to humans. This broad field includes traditional practices such as making curd, bread, or wine through microbial processes. However, modern biotechnology is more commonly associated with using genetically modified organisms to achieve these goals on a larger scale. It also includes advanced techniques like in vitro fertilization, gene synthesis, DNA vaccine development, and gene therapy.
The European Federation of Biotechnology (EFB) defines biotechnology as:
"The integration of natural science and organisms, cells, parts thereof, and molecular analogues for products and services."
The foundation of modern biotechnology rests on two core techniques:
1.Genetic Engineering: This involves altering the genetic material (DNA and RNA) of an organism to change its phenotype. Techniques include the creation of recombinant DNA, gene cloning, and gene transfer, allowing the introduction of specific desirable genes into target organisms without unwanted genetic material.
2.Bioprocess Engineering: This focuses on maintaining sterile, contamination-free conditions in industrial processes to grow desired microbes or eukaryotic cells in large quantities for producing biotechnological products such as antibiotics, vaccines, and enzymes.