Biotechnology

The term biotechnology is best defined by defining each of its parts. “Bio” refers to the use of biological processes; “technology” refers to how to solve problems or make useful products. Biological processes have been manipulated for millennia for multiple uses. The growing of crops and the raising of animals for the purposes of providing food and clothing are basic examples. Through research and education conducted over the last 30 years, our manipulation of biological processes has expanded to direct manipulation at the molecular and cellular levels. Thus biotechnology engineering of cellular and molecular processes can be used to solve problems and make products.

The attributes of cells and biological molecules on which biotechnology capitalizes are DNA and proteins. DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the genetic material of almost all living things. DNA provides instructions for the development and maturation of cells as well as for the tasks a particular cell is to undertake. The role of proteins is to provide the building materials and perform all the functions of cells. A cell has many different kinds of proteins, assigned to specific tasks. DNA determines the production of proteins and coordination of their activities. DNA contains the information for making these proteins. From this perspective, DNA serves as the command center of the cell.

The presence of DNA at the level of cells and molecules unifies life. DNA represents the same genetic language between cells. DNA can be transferred from one cell to another and can be used by the recipient cell. These interactions between cells are quite specific. To accomplish this transfer of DNA information, biotechnologists must use focused, precise instruments and processes. These processes can be used to solve specific challenges. This manipulation of cellular matter forms the basis of modern biotechnology.