Advances in Agricultural Biotechnology

Biotechnology has long been used to make everyday products (e.g. the use of microorganisms, such as bacteria or fungi, to manufacture cheese, wine and antibiotics). The scope of this term has changed over time as new technologies have been invented. The term "biotechnology" came into wide spread use in the 1970s following the developing of genetic engineering. In looking back, however, it is evident that humans have used "biotechnology" in its simpler forms for thousands of years. For example, civilizations have actively developed and selected superior plants and livestock animals. The scientist broadly defines biotechnology as: the application of science and engineering to the direct of indirect use of living organisms or parts of products of living organisms in their natural and modified forms.