What does biotechnology primarily involve?

Biotechnology primarily involves utilizing living organisms and bioprocesses to develop products and technologies that improve our lives and the health of our planet. This field encompasses various processes that leverage biological systems, cells, and cellular materials, such as bacteria, yeast, and plant cells, to create valuable products. For instance, biotechnology is instrumental in agriculture for developing pest-resistant crops, in medicine for producing vaccines and therapeutics, and in environmental applications for waste treatment and biofuels.

By emphasizing the use of living organisms, this definition captures the essence of biotechnology, which is fundamentally about harnessing biological processes to achieve practical applications. This approach can include genetic manipulation, fermentation processes, and other bioprocessing methods that rely on the innate capabilities of living systems, distinguishing it from purely chemical or mechanical engineering methods.