Introduction to Molecular Biotechnology

Molecular biotechnology is an exciting revolutionary scientific discipline that is based on the ability of a researcher to transfer specific units of genetic information from one organism to another.

The objective of recombinant DNA technology is often to produce a useful product or a commercial process.

Historical Background

In early 1970, traditional biotechnology was not well known as a scientific discipline. Research in this area was carried out in chemical engineering departments. The term "biotechnology" was created in 1919 by a Hungarian engineer, Karl Ereky. According to Ereky, "biotechnology involves all works carried out with the aid of living things."

More formally, biotechnology may be defined as "the application of scientific and engineering principles to the processing of material by biological agents to provide goods and services."

In 1961, a Swedish microbiologist Cad Gordon Haden redefined biotechnology as "the industrial production of goods and services by processing using biological organisms, and it is firmly ground on expertise in microbiology, biochemistry and chemical engineering."

Recent Developments and Purpose of the Book

However, the nature of biotechnology was changed forever by the development of recombinant DNA technology. With these techniques, the optimization of any biotechnological process was achieved more directly.

It is hoped that this book will not only meet the requirements of students but will also be useful as a guide to academic professionals.