Author : Fernando, Edwino S.

Summary : The Convention of Biodiversity (CBD) defines biotechnology as "any technological application that uses biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or processes for specific use". Interpreted broadly, biotechnology can therefore include traditional methods, e.g. plant and animal improvement by breeding, utilizing microorganisms for food and beverage processing, and disease control through inoculation, or biological control of pests. Biotechnology can also be defined more narrowly to encompass technologies with a strong molecular basis, viz., recombinant DNA technologies, rapid screening techniques for natural products, and modern, sophisticated techniques in culturing cells, tissues and organisms. Many apply the term biotechnology even more narrowly, strictly in the sense of gene manipulation and transfer (genetic engineering) for human benefit or commercial gain. In the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (adopted by the CBD in Montreal on 29 January 2000) (CPB 2000), modern biotechnology means the application of: (a) in vitro nucleic acid techniques, including recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and direct injection of nucleic acid into cells or organelles, or (b) fusion of cells beyond the taxonomic family, that overcome natural physiological reproductive or recombination barriers and that are not techniques used in traditional breeding and selection.