Biotechnology

Humankind has used the traditional techniques of “biotechnology” – breeding and selection – for thousands of years to domesticate wild species for large-scale production and to change plants, animals, and microorganisms to create hybrids which produce higher yields, enhanced flavors and textures, increased resistance to pests, and a host of other desirable traits.  Modern techniques of polyploidization, embryo rescue, mutagenesis and cell fusion don’t occur naturally, and yet, they have been employed safely for decades.  As a result, the genetic “parents” of many common foods we eat would be virtually unrecognizable as the foods we know today.

Advances in molecular biology resulting in what is known as recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology or genetic “engineering” are the latest in plant and animal husbandry. This technology, which applies the science of biology, offers the opportunity to move more quickly, precisely selected, well-characterized genetic material between organisms than could be done through the traditional techniques. 

The term “biotechnology” refers to the latest, most modern husbandry technique to modify plants, animals, or microorganisms by introducing into their genetic code genes for specific desired traits, often from different species. The tools of biotechnology, such as polyploidization, embryo rescue, mutagenesis and cell fusion don’t occur naturally, but yet have been employed safely for decades.  The potential benefits to the world from future discoveries in biotechnology are almost too vast to comprehend.  The products derived from rDNA technology can significantly enhance our quality of life from the medicines we use, to the food we eat, to the environment in which we live.