What are the potential benefits of modern biotechnology?
Biotechnology holds a great deal of promise in the fields of food production, agriculture, medicine and environmental management. • Food production – this is an area in which biotechnology plays a significant role in the production of ingredients, vitamins, starter cultures and enzymes for food processing. • Agriculture – fruits and vegetables can be improved in appearance, taste, nutrient content, storage life, resistance to certain pests and even stability under unfavorable climatic conditions. • Medicine – some types of Insulin are examples of biotechnology products. Biotechnology also offers new methods of producing critical vaccines that cost cheaper. • Environmental management – biotechnology offers new opportunities for the protection of the environment. For example, genetically modified bacteria may one day be used to convert organic wastes to useful products or to clean up oil spills.
