Final answer:
Biotechnology is the application of biological systems and organisms to develop products or modify processes for specific purposes, such as creating improved crops or medical treatments.
Step-by-step explanation:
A technological application that uses biological systems or living organisms to make or modify products or processes for specific use is called biotechnology. This field involves the manipulation of biological materials and processes to serve human needs in various ways. Early forms of biotechnology include the use of yeast and bacteria for making cheese, bread, wine, beer, and yogurt. In modern times, biotechnology has grown to encompass techniques like genetic engineering, where the genetic makeup of organisms is altered at the molecular level to produce new compounds or to perform new functions, such as creating crops that resist pests or yield more food, and developing vaccines and antibiotics in medicine.
Biotechnology also finds applications in industry, such as in fermentation processes, biofuel production, and environmental management, like treating oil spills. To achieve the goals of biotechnology, scientists extract, manipulate, and analyze nucleic acids, employing various methods to modify and utilize genetic material for the advancement of technology and well-being of society.