| dc.description.abstract | Biotechnology is a general term used about a very broad field of
study. According to the Convention on Biological Diversity,
biotechnology means:
“any technological application that uses biological
systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof, to make
or modify products or processes for specific use.”
Interpreted in this broad sense, the definition covers many of the
tools and techniques that are commonplace today in agriculture
and food production. If interpreted in a narrow sense to consider
only the “new” DNA, molecular biology and reproductive
technology, the definition covers a range of different technologies,
including gene manipulation, gene transfer, DNA typing and
cloning of mammals.
The swiftness of change in the sector means that
terminology is constantly evolving, and yesterday’s buzzword is
today’s jargon, and might be tomorrow’s mainstream term. The
rate of evolution of terminology has been such that it has been
very difficult to remain abreast of current usages. | |
