Which term refers to the use of living organisms in manufacturing products or environmental management?

Which term refers to the use of living organisms in manufacturing products or environmental management?

• A. Eco-technology
• B. Biomedicine
• C. Genetic engineering
• D. Biotechnology

Answer: (D)

Harnessing living organisms to produce products or to manage the environment is biotechnology. This field covers using microbes, enzymes, and even plants to make useful goods—think producing insulin with engineered bacteria, fermenting foods like bread or beer, and creating industrial enzymes for detergents. It also includes environmental applications such as bioremediation, where microbes break down pollutants, or wastewater treatment with microbial communities, and the development of biofuels from algae or other organisms. The other terms don’t capture the full scope: eco-technology is a broader idea about sustainable tech inspired by ecological principles; biomedicine focuses specifically on medical advances; and genetic engineering is a technique used within biotechnology to modify genetic material.

Harnessing living organisms to produce products or to manage the environment is biotechnology. This field covers using microbes, enzymes, and even plants to make useful goods—think producing insulin with engineered bacteria, fermenting foods like bread or beer, and creating industrial enzymes for detergents. It also includes environmental applications such as bioremediation, where microbes break down pollutants, or wastewater treatment with microbial communities, and the development of biofuels from algae or other organisms. The other terms don’t capture the full scope: eco-technology is a broader idea about sustainable tech inspired by ecological principles; biomedicine focuses specifically on medical advances; and genetic engineering is a technique used within biotechnology to modify genetic material.