Biotechno logy

Biotechnology is a branch of science which studies the use of living things (bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc.) or products of living things (enzyme, alcohol) in the production process to produce goods and services. Today, the development of biotechnology is not only based on biology alone, but also in applied sciences and other pure, such as biochemistry, computers, molecular biology, microbiology, genetics, chemistry, mathematics, and so forth. In other words, biotechnology is applied science that combines the various branches of science in the process of production of goods and services.

Biotechnology is simply known by humans since thousands of years ago. For example, in the field of food technology is making beer, bread, and cheese that has been known since the 19th century, plant breeding to produce new varieties in agriculture, and the glorification and animal reproduction. In the medical field, the application of biotechnology in the past proved partly by the discovery of vaccines, antibiotics, and insulin, although still in limited amounts due to fermentation process is not perfect. Significant changes occurred after the discovery by Louis Pasteur Bioreaktor. With this tool, the production of antibiotics and vaccines can be done in bulk.

At this time, biotechnology has changed rapidly, especially in developed countries. Progress is marked by the discovery of a variety of technologies such as genetic engineering, tissue culture, recombinant DNA, stem cell proliferation, cloning, and others. This technology allows us to obtain cure genetic diseases or chronic which can not be cured, like cancer or AIDS. Research in the field of stem cell development also allows the stroke patients or other diseases that cause loss or damage to the body tissue can be recovered to normal. In the field of food, using genetic engineering, tissue culture and recombinant DNA, can produce plants with superior product attributes and because it contains more nutrients than ordinary crops, and also more resistant to pests and environmental stresses. Application of biotechnology in this period can also be found on the preservation of the environment from pollution. For example, the breakdown of the spilled oil into the sea by the bacteria, and decomposition of substances that are toxic (poison) in the river or sea by using a new type of bacteria.

Advances in biotechnology could not be separated from the controversy surrounding the development of technology. For example, cloning technology and genetic engineering of food crops has come under fire from various groups.