Editing Biotechnology (section)

{{short description|Use of living systems and organisms to develop or make useful products}}
{{other uses}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2018}}
[[File:Faculty of Food Engineering and Biotechnology 4.jpg|thumb|A biologist conducting research in a biotechnology laboratory]]

'''Biotechnology''' is a multidisciplinary field that involves the integration of [[natural science]]s and [[Engineering Science|engineering sciences]] in order to achieve the application of organisms and parts thereof for products and services.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Biotechnology |url=https://goldbook.iupac.org/terms/view/B00666 |website=IUPAC Goldbook |year=2014 |doi=10.1351/goldbook.B00666 |doi-access=free |access-date=February 14, 2022 |archive-date=January 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120205824/https://goldbook.iupac.org/terms/view/B00666 |url-status=live }}</ref> Specialists in the field are known as '''biotechnologists'''.

The term ''biotechnology'' was first used by [[Károly Ereky]] in 1919<ref>{{cite book|url=https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/006798043|title=Biotechnologie der Fleisch-, Fett-, und Milcherzeugung im landwirtschaftlichen Grossbetriebe: für naturwissenschaftlich gebildete Landwirte verfasst|first=Karl.|last=Ereky|date=June 8, 1919|publisher=P. Parey|via=Hathi Trust|access-date=March 16, 2022|archive-date=March 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305023252/http://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/006798043|url-status=live}}</ref> to refer to the production of products from raw materials with the aid of living organisms. The core principle of biotechnology involves harnessing biological systems and organisms, such as bacteria, [[yeast]], and plants, to perform specific tasks or produce valuable substances.

Biotechnology had a significant impact on many areas of society, from medicine to agriculture to [[environmental science]]. One of the key techniques used in biotechnology is [[genetic engineering]], which allows scientists to modify the genetic makeup of organisms to achieve desired outcomes. This can involve inserting genes from one organism into another, and consequently, create new traits or modifying existing ones.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Genetic Engineering |url=https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Genetic-Engineering|date=2023-12-15 |access-date=2023-12-18 |publisher=National Human Genome Research Institute, US National Institutes of Health|language=en}}</ref>

Other important techniques used in biotechnology include tissue culture, which allows researchers to grow cells and tissues in the lab for research and medical purposes, and [[fermentation]], which is used to produce a wide range of products such as beer, wine, and cheese.

The applications of biotechnology are diverse and have led to the development of products like life-saving drugs, [[biofuel]]s, genetically modified crops, and innovative materials.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Gupta |first1=Varsha |last2=Sengupta |first2=Manjistha |last3=Prakash |first3=Jaya |last4=Tripathy |first4=Baishnab Charan |chapter=An Introduction to Biotechnology |date=2016-10-23 |title=Basic and Applied Aspects of Biotechnology |pages=1–21 |doi=10.1007/978-981-10-0875-7_1 |pmc=7119977|isbn=978-981-10-0873-3 }}</ref> It has also been used to address environmental challenges, such as developing biodegradable plastics and using microorganisms to clean up contaminated sites.

Biotechnology is a rapidly evolving field with significant potential to address pressing global challenges and improve the quality of life for people around the world; however, despite its numerous benefits, it also poses ethical and societal challenges, such as questions around [[Genetic Modification|genetic modification]] and [[Intellectual Property Rights|intellectual property rights]]. As a result, there is ongoing debate and regulation surrounding the use and application of biotechnology in various industries and fields.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=O'Mathúna |first=Dónal P. |date=2007-04-01 |title=Bioethics and biotechnology |journal=Cytotechnology |volume=53 |issue=1–3 |pages=113–119 |doi=10.1007/s10616-007-9053-8 |issn=0920-9069 |pmc=2267612 |pmid=19003197}}</ref>