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The official definition of biotechnology, used by all departments of the Canadian government, is "The application of science and engineering in the direct or indirect use of living organisms, or parts or products of living organisms in their natural or modified forms."
This is a very broad definition that allows biotechnology to include a wide spectrum of activities, ranging from the traditional, such a making bread or beer, to the modern, such as genetic engineering and gene therapy.
Most people, however, associate the term "biotechnology" almost exclusively with genetic engineering (GE) and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), also called genetically enhanced organisms. Genetic engineering techniques enable scientists to modify genes within an
organism or to transfer specific genes between organisms. Because biotechnology provides the capability to alter the inherited characteristics of an organism in a manner never before possible, it is seen as presenting
both great opportunities and great risks. Because of potential risks, the importation and use of the products of biotechnology are regulated by the Government of Canada to ensure that the safety of the Canadian public and the environment are fully protected.
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