Biotechnology

Biotechnology, besides a traditional discipline, is developing fast because of realization of its importance in industry, agriculture, pharmaceutical concerns, public health, geological explorations, bioenergetics and as a mean to exploit new sources of energy useful for various purposes. Consequently, nations are striving hard to merge the biotechnological operation into national development, building hardcore economies and in seeking strategies for international cooperation and ties. The present text has been designed to outline the basic and fundamental aspects of biotechnology to be understood in its right perspective. It envisages to put forward a clear understanding of "what is biotechnology" and its widening horizons. The book could be used as a fundamental text by various honours and post-graduate students of life sciences including botany, zoology, microbiology, genetics, biochemistry and also by newly developed interdisciplinary programme and departments of biotechnology and bioengineering. Finally this book should prove to be helpful to a nonprofessional and amateur to develop scientific cult and temper in the background of popular science and social needs.