Environmental Biotechnology
Theory and Application
Chapter One
Introduction to Biotechnology
The Chambers Science and Technology Dictionary defines biotechnology as 'the
use of organisms or their components in industrial or commercial processes,
which can be aided by the techniques of genetic manipulation in developing
e.g. novel plants for agriculture or industry.' Despite the inclusiveness of this
definition, the biotechnology sector is still often seen as largely medical or pharmaceutical
in nature, particularly amongst the general public. While to some
extent the huge research budgets of the drug companies and the widespread
familiarity of their products makes this understandable, it does distort the full
picture and somewhat unfairly so. However, while therapeutic instruments form,
in many respects, the 'acceptable' face of biotechnology, elsewhere the science
is all too frequently linked with unnatural interference. While the agricultural,
industrial and environmental ... read full excerpt from Environmental Biotechnology: Theory and Application ebook
