Biotechnology — Meaning and Types

Biotechnology is the application of living organisms, cells, enzymes and biological processes to develop useful products and technologies.

Modern Biotechnology: Uses techniques such as genetic engineering, recombinant DNA technology, genome editing, tissue culture and molecular diagnostics.

Red Biotechnology: Deals with healthcare and medicine, including vaccines, gene therapy, insulin and diagnostic technologies.

Green Biotechnology: Focuses on agriculture, including genetically modified crops, biofertilizers and biopesticides. Example: Bt cotton.

White Biotechnology: Uses biological processes for industrial production of biofuels, enzymes, chemicals and biodegradable materials. Example: Bioethanol.

Blue Biotechnology: Utilises marine organisms and resources for pharmaceuticals, food products and industrial applications.

Grey Biotechnology: Focuses on environmental protection, including wastewater treatment, recycling and bioremediation using microorganisms.

With reference to Biotechnology, consider the following statements:

  1. Red Biotechnology is primarily associated with healthcare and medical applications.
  2. Green Biotechnology focuses mainly on agriculture, including biofertilizers and genetically modified crops.
  3. White Biotechnology is associated with industrial production such as biofuels and enzymes.
  4. Blue Biotechnology primarily deals with wastewater treatment and bioremediation.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 1 and 4 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (a)