ABSTRACT
Biotechnology can be broadly defined as the use of biological catalysts or systems to effect biological or chemical transformations. Classical examples include fermentation to produce alcohol and the use of enzymes in starch hydrolysis and cheese production. Molecular biology provided new methods based on genetic modification. Various organisms including yeasts, bacteria, plants, and animals can be modified to produce defined substances. The products include small molecules such as amino acids, vitamins, and antibiotics. The application of molecular biology to agriculture led to plant varieties that are resistant to herbicides, insects, and diseases. Herbicide-resistant varieties of corn, cotton, and soy beans were rapidly adopted between 1995 and 2000. Insect-resistant crops were produced by inserting genes for Bacillus thuringensis toxins. Bovine growth hormone was used to increase milk production. The introduction of genetically modified food-producing plants and animal has generated both a regulatory system and public controversy. Molecular biology has been applied in medicine to produce biologic drugs. Insulin was the first example in 1983, followed by many others including human growth hormone, granulocyte and granulocyte-macrophage factors, follicle-stimulating hormone, cytokine inhibitors, and botulinum toxin.
