Which aspect of antibiotic function is utilized in biotechnology?

The utilization of antibiotics in biotechnology primarily revolves around their ability to isolate pathogens. Antibiotics are substances that can inhibit the growth of or kill bacteria, allowing researchers to differentiate between pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms. In a laboratory context, this becomes crucial when looking to isolate specific strains of bacteria for further study, particularly when investigating infections or diseases caused by these pathogens.

By using antibiotics, researchers can create selective environments where only certain bacteria can survive, aiding in the identification and characterization of pathogens. This method is essential in various biotechnological applications, including vaccine development, antibiotic resistance studies, and microbial ecology research.

The other options refer to different functions that are not directly related to the primary role of antibiotics in biotechnology. For instance, antibiotics do not inherently increase growth rates, boost genetic diversity, or serve as a means for detecting bacterial metabolites. Instead, those areas typically involve other processes or methodologies distinct from the action of antibiotics.