biotechnological
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˈbaɪəʊˌtɛk.nə.lɒdʒ.ɪk.əl/not-comparableadjective
US
- /ˌbaɪoʊˌtɛknəˈlɑdʒɪkəl/
Description
- relating to the use of biology and technology
- based on biological organisms or processes
- practical life science
- creating useful products from nature
"Biotechnological" describes anything that uses biological systems—such as cells, organisms, or their components—to create new technologies or products. Think of it as the meeting point of life science and engineering. It is not just about lab coats and microscopes; biotechnology is around us all the time. From the yogurt you eat (made with bacterial cultures) to the medicines that keep people healthy, biotechnology is constantly at work. You might hear the phrase "biotechnological research" when scientists explore new ways to use biology for innovation, or "biotechnological companies" when referring to firms creating modern solutions in agriculture and healthcare.
The word "biotechnological" describes the application of biological principles and techniques to solve problems and create useful products. It is a broad field encompassing everything from ancient practices like fermentation (used in making bread or beer) to modern genetic engineering. Essentially, it involves harnessing the power of living things—or parts of them—for practical purposes.
Historically, biotechnology was largely focused on natural biological processes. A common example is selective breeding in agriculture, where farmers chose plants with desirable traits and cultivated them over generations. However, today, "biotechnological" often refers to advanced techniques such as genetic modification, tissue culture, and the development of sophisticated diagnostic tools.
You will encounter the term "biotechnological" in a variety of important contexts:
Medicine:* Developing new drugs, gene therapies, and diagnostics for complex diseases. Agriculture:* Creating crops that are resistant to pests, drought-tolerant, or more nutrient-dense. Environmental Science:* Using microbes to clean up oil spills or heavy metal pollution (a process known as bioremediation). Industrial Processes:* Producing biofuels, enzymes for detergents, and other valuable chemicals through biological methods.
For example, you might read about a "biotechnological breakthrough" in cancer treatment or hear about the ethical debates surrounding "biotechnological modifications" of food crops. A "biotechnological firm" is a company specifically focused on developing these kinds of innovations.
So, when you see or hear the word "biotechnological," remember it is all about using the power of biology to improve our lives and address some of the world's most pressing challenges. It is a field that is constantly evolving, pushing the boundaries of what is possible at the intersection of life and technology.
Examples
- 1
Medical research
The university has invested heavily in biotechnological research on new vaccines.
- 2
Agriculture
Several biotechnological companies are developing crops that can survive longer dry seasons.
- 3
Ethics
The project raised ethical questions about how far biotechnological advances should go in changing human genes.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- biotechnologicaladjective