Difference Between Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology

The main difference between Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology is that Genetic Engineering is considered as the branch of biological science that is involved in the alteration of genetic material while Biotechnology is a branch of science in which organisms are used. alive for the benefit of humanity.

Genetic engineering versus biotechnology

Genetic engineering is the branch of biological science that deals with the alteration of genetic material and shows direct intervention in the genetic material of an organism. On the other hand, biotechnology is the branch of science according to which living organisms can be used in mankind and is also involved in helping human beings. The history of genetic engineering is short and the history of biotechnology is very long compared to the history of genetic engineering.

Genetic engineering is known as a very fascinating, young and exciting branch of biological sciences. On the other hand, biotechnology is mainly known as a branch of science that is raising the standard of a human being. Genes are considered to be modified and changed in genetic engineering. On the other hand, biotechnology comprises genes that cannot be changed or altered.

Genetic engineering can be used to change and modify the DNA of any of the living organisms like humans, plants, and microbes, etc. for the benefit and help of mankind. On the other hand, biotechnology uses only vital processes and microorganisms for the benefit of mankind. Organisms that are genetically engineered have very little chance of surviving in nature. On the other hand, the organisms we use in biotechnology can easily survive in nature.

In addition, a small number of products are obtained from genetic engineering compared to biotechnology which offers a wide range of products.

Comparison chart

What is genetic engineering?

Genetic engineering is known as a biotechnological application in which we manipulate the DNA or genes of organisms according to the requirements. To provide benefits to the needs of humans, we mainly use genetic engineering. It is a more appropriate term for obtaining different specific genetic manipulation techniques. Genetic engineering is considered to have been developed in the 1970s.

With the help of this field, we can isolate an identified gene that is primarily involved in performing a certain function in a specific organism. Then this isolated gene can be introduced into another organism. Now we let the gene express itself in that organism. As a result of this expression, we obtain the required benefits or products of the organism.

Recombinant DNA technology (RDT) is the technique with the help of which we introduce foreign genes into the genome of an organism. This technique was mainly used in 1972. An organism with such a foreign gene is recognized as a genetically modified organism. Certain foods are considered genetically modified foods when they are produced through a genetically modified organism. The main practice that is done through genetic engineering is the production of medicines and food.

It is believed that there is not much chance of survival of genetically modified organisms in nature unless we provide them with the desired conditions or scientists continuously strive to manage their population size. The reason for this problem is that natural selection does not take place in these organisms. Therefore, natural conditions could be disastrous for genetically modified organisms.

What is biotechnology?

Biotechnology is referred to as one of the very productive fields of biology in which we modify organisms to obtain economic benefits from them. It should be noted that biotechnology uses a biological system in a technological aspect to obtain economic benefits, that is, the product, the derivative or the organism. Biotechnology cuts across many streams in which the main streams include cell and tissue culture, microbiology, embryology, genetic engineering, molecular biology, and many others.

There are many proud results of biotech where tasting wine, favorite chocolate, slug beer, always loved ice cream are on the list of results. The production of high-yield crops, enzymes, antibiotics, food crops, and hundreds of other products arose from biotechnology.

Biotechnology is also playing a fundamental role in the areas of medicine, pharmacology and other means of treatment. Therefore, the above discussion makes it clear that there are many applications that have come about due to biotechnology. There is a great history of biotechnology going back to the earliest days of human civilizations.

We do not modify organisms to be different in biotechnology, but we enhance their natural processes to obtain the optimal product. Therefore, the organisms we use in biotechnology would not face the danger of being in the grave under natural conditions.

Key differences

1. The branch of biological science that is involved in the alteration of genetic material and shows direct intervention in the genetic material of an organism is called genetic engineering, whereas, the branch of science in which living organisms are used for the benefit of humanity and is also involved in helping human beings is called biotechnology.
2. Genetic engineering is the branch of biological sciences that has a short history; on the other hand, there is a very long history of biotechnology.
3. Genes are considered to be modified and changed in genetic engineering. By contrast, biotechnology comprises genes that cannot be changed or altered.
4. Genetic engineering is known as a very fascinating, young and exciting branch of biological sciences; On the other hand, biotechnology is mainly known as a branch of science that is increasing the level of a human being.
5. Genetic engineering is considered a controversial branch of biological science to some extent; on the other hand, biotechnology is not considered a controversial branch of science.
6. Genetic engineering is known as the young and premature branch of biological science because there are many milestones to be reached in this branch, on the other hand, biotechnology is considered as the mature branch of science, as it has been discussed for many years.
7. We can change and modify the DNA of any of the living beings like humans, plants and microbes in genetic engineering to benefit and help mankind, on the other hand only life processes and microorganisms are used by us in biotechnology for benefit. of humanity. humanity.
8. Genetic engineering is known as an application of biotechnology, while biotechnology is not an application of anything.
9. Organisms that are genetically engineered have very little chance of surviving in nature; on the other hand, the organisms we use in biotechnology can survive in nature.
10. Genetic engineering does not encompass a wide range of products; on the other hand, through biotechnology a wide range of products is obtained.

conclusion

All the above discussion concludes that genetic engineering is a branch of biological science with a short history that is involved in the alteration of genetic material and shows direct intervention on the genetic material of an organism, on the other hand, biotechnology is the branch of the science. with a long history in which living organisms are used for the benefit of humanity and is also involved in helping human beings.