Biotechnology is a branch of science that combines biology and technology to create products and technologies that improve the quality of human life. It involves the use of living organisms and their biological processes to develop useful products and technologies such as vaccines, genetically modified crops, and biodegradable materials.
Biotechnology can be divided into two main categories: traditional and modern. Traditional biotechnology involves using naturally occurring organisms like yeast and bacteria for fermentation and production of products like bread, beer, and cheese. Modern biotechnology, on the other hand, involves genetic engineering and other advanced techniques to manipulate DNA to produce new and improved products.
Some of the applications of modern biotechnology include the production of recombinant proteins, gene therapy, biofuels, bioremediation, and the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic tools for diseases. Biotechnology is a rapidly expanding field with increasing applications in various industries and holds great potential for addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges like food security, environmental sustainability, and healthcare.