Biotechnology

Biotechnology is a scientific field that uses living organisms to make human tasks easier. These organisms can sometimes be tiny bacteria, sometimes plants, and sometimes animals. The goal is to harness the properties of natural organisms to produce food, treat diseases, protect the environment, or generate energy.

In fact, biotechnology has existed since ancient times! Thousands of years ago, humans used yeast to make bread and bacteria to make yogurt. This is biotechnology in its purest form!

Biotechnology from Ancient Times to the Present

• Ancient Period: Humans used microorganisms to produce foods such as bread, yogurt, cheese, and vinegar. These microorganisms enhanced the flavor of food and prevented it from spoiling for long periods.

• Classical Period: Scientists began to study microorganisms more closely. Antibiotics such as penicillin were discovered. These drugs made it easier to fight diseases.

• Modern Period: Genetic science advanced. Scientists began to examine and modify the genes of living organisms. As a result, more productive crops, disease-resistant animals, and specialized medicines were developed.

Biotechnology in Food

Yogurt, cheese, pickles, and other foods you enjoy are produced thanks to biotechnology. How?

• Yogurt and Cheese: Milk is fermented using special bacteria. These bacteria break down the sugar in milk to produce yogurt and cheese.
• Pickles and Vinegar: Vegetables become sour and turn into pickles through the action of microorganisms. Similarly, fruits are converted into vinegar.
• Bread: Yeast, which causes dough to rise, is also a microorganism. Yeast consumes sugar in the dough and releases gas. This gas makes the bread rise.

Biotechnology in Agriculture

Thanks to biotechnology, farmers can grow healthier and more productive crops:

• Soil-Friendly Microorganisms: Microorganisms such as Rhizobium live in plant roots and enrich the soil with nitrogen, promoting better plant growth.
• Tissue Culture: Scientists take a small part of a plant and grow new plants in the laboratory. This produces disease-free, robust plants.
• Gene Transfer: Specific genes are introduced into certain plants to make them resistant to insects. This reduces the need for chemical pesticides in agriculture.

Genetics and DNA

Every living organism contains a “manual” called DNA. DNA determines how an organism looks, behaves, and grows.

• Genetic Barcoding: Scientists analyze the DNA of organisms to identify them. This acts like a hidden identity card for living things.
• Gene Banks: Seeds and genes are stored in special facilities so they can be used when needed in the future.

Biodiversity and the Future

Biotechnology is also used to preserve biodiversity in nature. The characteristics of different plant and animal species are studied, protected, and sometimes improved. This ensures both the conservation of nature and the development of useful solutions for humans.

In the future, thanks to biotechnology:

• Diseases will be easier to treat
• Food will be produced more healthily
• Nature will be better protected
• Energy sources will become more environmentally friendly