INTRODUCTION.

Abstract

This introduction to section 1 of vol. 1 on the principles of biotechnology deals with genetic and biological fundamentals. It accepts the definition of biotechnology as the application of scientific and engineering principles to the processing of materials by biological agents to produce goods and services. The selection of appropriate biocatalysts (microorganisms and animal and plant cells), microbial physiology and problems of its optimization, genetics and integration of various disciplines relevant to biotechnology are the subjects briefly reviewed.