What is Biotechnology?
Overview
Recommended Year Level: Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 Required Knowledge: Little Duration: 5 x 50 minute lessons
A general description of biotechnology is using living things to create products or to do tasks for human beings.
Biotechnology is the practice of using plants, animals and micro-organisms such as bacteria, as well as biological processes - such as the ripening of fruit or the bacteria that break down compost - to some benefit.
For example, biotechnology is used in in industry, medicine and agriculture to produce foods, medicines, test for diseases and remove waste.
It can also be used to solve problems and conduct research. Over time, biotechnology has formed the basis of learning about people and diseases. Biotechnology has also underpinned the development of treatments.
This section explains the basic science behind biotechnology, including gene technology. It can be used as an introduction to the topic, or as a cross-reference when working through the rest of this resource.
External Resources
There are a number of web sites that cover the basics of biotechnology and gene technology.
The Tech Museum of Innovation San Jose, USA