A branch of science that utilizes and manipulates microorganisms for the welfare of mankind is biotechnology. It uses technique that can modify the products, improve qualities of plants and animals and also products generated from microorganisms. Biotechnology is the applicative part of biology that is multidisciplinary in activity. Commercial potential of biotechnology is immense.

Everybody these days are aware of different vaccines, probiotic foods, genetically modified foods, biotechnological vegetables, different enzymes and medicines but very few know the technology associated behind these products.  Biotechnology utilizes the technique called genetic engineering or recombinant DNA technology where a microorganism is isolated; its genetic material is cut, manipulated, sealed, again inserted in an organism and allowed to grow in a suitable environment under controlled conditions to get the desired product. It looks easy but is a very tedious job and it takes years for a research to achieve its goal.

Humulin, the human insulin is a good example of biotechnological product. Earlier insulin was isolated from pigs but now days insulin is produced by genetic engineering where microorganisms are responsible for the production of insulin. That’s why today the rate to insulin demand is equaled the production rate.

These days genetically modified (GM) foods are quite popular and are gaining public acceptance.  Golden rice is a genetically modified food that has been fortified with vitamin A to help the children who suffer from Vitamin A Deficiency (VAD). There are genetically modified tomatoes that have good taste and ripen late. They are large in size and contain more vitamin C than the normal tomatoes.

Another example is of Bt cotton which is resistant cotton variety. This is the transgenic variety that prevents the plants from damages caused by insects and increases the quality of cotton.

Biodiesel obtained from Jatropa plant is on the way to clear up the shortage of fuel in the present world scenario.

Bioplastics generated biotechnologically are a good mean to control the pollution caused by plastics generated chemically as the former are biodegradable and do not pose any harm to the environment.

Though there is certain critics associate with the use of biotechnology its immense applications and advantages cannot be ignored. Today man cannot imagine surviving without biotechnology or the products associated with it. Biotechnology has potential in treating many diseases that has on other hand increased the life of man.