What does biotechnology primarily involve?

Biotechnology primarily involves the use of living systems and organisms to develop or create products. This field encompasses a variety of techniques and applications, including genetic manipulation, but its core is the application of biological entities to produce solutions for specific problems, such as in agriculture, medicine, and industrial processes. By employing living systems—such as microorganisms or plant and animal cells—biotechnologists can produce pharmaceuticals, genetically modified organisms, biofuels, and more. This comprehensive approach illustrates the breadth of biotechnology beyond just genetic manipulation or cellular processes, aligning closely with the definition of using living systems for innovative product creation.

Additional options highlight important aspects of biotechnology but do not capture its primary essence. The focus on genetic material is a part of the field, yet it is just one technique among many. Similarly, studying viruses and understanding cellular processes are important areas of biological study but are not the defining characteristic of biotechnology as a whole.