About biotechnology

What is biotechnology?

Biotechnology is a broad term for a group of techniques and technologies that are based on applying biology to address health (human, plant and animal), food, industrial and environmental issues. It involves the use of living things, or things from them, to understand life, solve problems, make products or provide services.

Biotechnology has been with us for centuries. Traditional biotechnologies include fermentation applications such as beer-, cheese- and bread-making, as well as animal- and plant-breeding techniques. The term "modern biotechnology" is used for recent molecular research-based activities. It includes a range of techniques; from DNA technology, molecular and cellular biochemistry, through to producing some types of medicines and medical treatments. Genetic modification (GM) is only one specific aspect of modern biotechnology.

Rather than a specific industry sector or research discipline, biotechnology now provides a set of tools and approaches that underpin many areas of biological research and development.

The New Zealand Biotechnology Learning Hub website provides information for schools and students on biotechnology.

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