biotechnology

Industrial use of living organisms. Examples of its uses include fermentation, genetic engineering (gene technology), and the manipulation of reproduction. The brewing and baking industries have long relied on the yeast micro-organism for fermentation purposes, while the dairy industry employs a range of bacteria and fungi to convert milk into cheeses and yoghurts. Enzymes, whether extracted from cells or produced artificially, are central to most biotechnological applications. Recent advances include genetic engineering, in which single-celled organisms with modified DNA are used to produce insulin and other drugs.

There are many medical and industrial applications of the use of micro-organisms, such as drug production. One important area is the production of antibiotics such as penicillin.

It is thought that biotechnology may be helpful in reducing world food shortages. Micro-organisms grow very quickly in suitable conditions and they often take substances that humans cannot eat and use them to produce foods that we can eat.