Final answer:
Biotechnology is used in agriculture to create GMOs for pest control, in medicine to produce treatments such as interferon, and to develop vaccines like the influenza vaccine. It also provides environmental solutions by using microorganisms to degrade waste.
Step-by-step explanation:
Biotechnology plays a pivotal role in various sectors such as agriculture, medicine, and environmental management. For instance, it helps in improving pest control by creating genetically modified organisms (GMOs) with built-in resistance to pests, thus reducing the need for chemical pesticides. One such biotechnological product is bacillus thuringiensis, an organic insecticide produced by bacteria, which is incorporated into crops to protect them from insect predators.
In the medical field, recombinant DNA technology has been instrumental in creating treatments for diseases. Interferon, a product of biotechnology, is used to treat ailments including cancer and viral diseases. Additionally, the production of vaccines, such as the influenza vaccine, leverages biotechnology to offer protection against contagious diseases.
Furthermore, biotechnology has environmental applications, including the use of microorganisms to degrade waste and pollutants. This can significantly reduce the impact of garbage and toxic substances on the environment.