What is the meaning of biotechnology?

Technology is an application of knowledge in solving specific problems or meeting identified needs. The technological advancement in life sciences has paved its way to biotechnology known as the field of modern-day miracles.

Biotechnology has been broadly defined as the utilization of biologically derived molecules, structures, cells or organisms to carry out a specific process. This is true of many established food processes – for example, cheesemaking and brewing.

The term ‘biotechnology' is a combination of two words ‘bio’ and ‘technology’. The word ‘bio’ is taken from Greek word ‘bios’, which means life. The term biotechnology was first used by Hungarian engineer Karoly Ereky in1919.

The beauty of modern biotechnology lies in the specificity. The biotechnologist can target only one or two protein molecules for change in an organism containing thousands of proteins.

The seemingly minor alterations can have profound effects. The amount of an important flavor, color or enzyme may be increased many fold. It can allow crops to grow under marginal to poor conditions. With a few exceptions, most short-term results of modern biotechnical applied to food production will be invisible to the consumer’s eye.

Most of the new technology discoveries are patented or are protected by intellectual property rights. Patenting and intellectual property rights permit the scientist to protect their discoveries.
What is the meaning of biotechnology?