Description: Biotechnology is the use of living systems and organisms to develop or create products. This discipline combines principles of biology, chemistry, engineering, and technology to manipulate organisms, cells, and biomolecules in order to improve processes and products in various fields such as medicine, agriculture, and industry. Biotechnology is characterized by its focus on sustainability, as it seeks solutions that minimize environmental impact and optimize the use of natural resources. Additionally, it relies on bioinformatics, which allows for the analysis and interpretation of biological data on a large scale, facilitating the development of new biotechnological applications. The singularity in biotechnology refers to the convergence of biological and digital technologies, opening the door to disruptive innovations. Finally, the concept of hybrid in biotechnology relates to the creation of organisms or systems that combine characteristics from different species or technologies, resulting in more efficient products tailored to specific needs.
History: Biotechnology has its roots in ancient practices such as fermentation, dating back thousands of years. However, the term ‘biotechnology’ was coined in 1919 by Hungarian engineer Károly Ereky. Throughout the 20th century, biotechnology developed significantly with the discovery of the structure of DNA in 1953 by James Watson and Francis Crick, laying the groundwork for genetic engineering. In 1973, the first gene cloning experiment was conducted, marking the beginning of modern biotechnology. Since then, biotechnology has rapidly evolved, especially with advances in DNA sequencing technologies and genetic editing, such as CRISPR, in the last decade.
Uses: Biotechnology has multiple applications across various fields. In medicine, it is used to develop gene therapies, vaccines, and biological drugs. In agriculture, it enables the creation of genetically modified crops that are more resistant to pests and diseases, as well as improving the nutritional quality of food. In industry, it is applied in the production of biofuels, enzymes, and chemicals from renewable resources. Additionally, environmental biotechnology is used for bioremediation, which involves using microorganisms to clean contaminants in soil and water.
Examples: Concrete examples of biotechnology include recombinant insulin, which is produced using genetically modified bacteria to treat diabetes. In agriculture, Bt corn is a genetically modified crop that produces a toxin that protects against certain insects. In the industrial sector, the production of ethanol from biomass is an example of biotechnology applied to renewable energy. Additionally, gene therapy for treating hereditary diseases is a significant advancement in biotechnological medicine.
