Biotechnology Definition & Examples

What is biotechnology? Biotechnology can be defined in a number of ways. It can be defined as the use of biotechnical methods to modify the genetic material of living cells so they will produce new substances or perform new functions (5). It also refers to genetic engineering and genetic modification, or more generally to moving or transferring genetic material between sources.

The broadest definition of biotechnology is the use of living organisms to make a product or run a process. This definition includes using bacteria to make yogurt, cheese, and vinegar as well as the use of plant or animal cross-breeding techniques to produce stock with enhanced qualities (2).