What is biotechnology primarily concerned with?

The focus of biotechnology lies in the application of living organisms or biological systems to create products or processes that benefit society. This includes a wide array of practices such as genetic engineering, cell culture, and fermentation technology, which harness the capabilities of cells, tissues, or organisms to develop new medicines, agricultural improvements, biofuels, and more.

In essence, biotechnology integrates biology with technology, utilizing the natural capabilities of biological entities to solve problems, enhance processes, or create novel solutions in various fields, including healthcare, agriculture, and environmental management. This comprehensive understanding underlines the significance of living systems and organisms in advancing technological innovation and improving human life.

In contrast, while studying chemical processes in living organisms could be part of the broader biological sciences, it does not encapsulate the applied and product-driven essence of biotechnology. The manipulation of non-living chemical compounds falls outside the domain of biotechnology, which primarily engages with living systems. Researching historical biological systems, while valuable for understanding evolution and past ecosystems, does not align with the modern applications that define biotechnology. Thus, the primary concern of biotechnology is indeed the utilization of living organisms or biological systems for product and process development.