A definition of Biotechnoloy

Biotechnology consists of a broad set of technologies and a plausible definition has been developed by the OECD, (which was updated in 2005) for statistical analyses which consists of two parts:

single definition providing a general description of what biotechnology is about:

"The application of science and technology to living organisms, as well as parts, products and models thereof, to alter living or non-living materials for the production of knowledge, goods and services."

A (indicative, not exhaustive) list of biotechnologies as an interpretative guideline to the single definition:

DNA/RNA :
Genomics, pharmacogenomics, gene probes, genetic engineering, DNA/RNA sequencing/synthesis/amplification, gene expression profiling, and use of antisense technology.
Proteins and other molecules :
Sequencing/synthesis/engineering of proteins and peptides (including large molecule hormones); improved delivery methods for large molecule drugs; proteomics, protein isolation and purification, signaling, identification of cell receptors.
Cell and tissue culture and engineering :
Cell/tissue culture, tissue engineering (including tissue scaffolds and biomedical engineering), cellular fusion, vaccine/immune stimulants, embryo manipulation.
Process biotechnology techniques :
Fermentation using bioreactors, bioprocessing, bioleaching, biopulping, biobleaching, biodesulphurisation, bioremediation, biofiltration and phytoremediation.
Gene and RNA vectors :
Gene therapy, viral vectors.
Bioinformatics :
Construction of databases on genomes, protein sequences; modelling complex biological processes, including systems biology.
Nanobiotechnology :
Applies the tools and processes of nano/microfabrication to build devices for studying biosystems and applications in drug delivery, diagnostics etc.