What term refers to the use of genetic and biochemical processes to develop or modify products?

The term that signifies the application of genetic and biochemical processes to create or modify products is biotechnology. This field leverages biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives to develop or enhance products, often involving techniques such as genetic engineering, molecular biology, and cell culture.

Biotechnology plays a crucial role in various sectors including healthcare, agriculture, and environmental conservation. For example, in medicine, it is pivotal for the development of vaccines, gene therapies, and diagnostic tests. Its processes can lead to improved disease resistance in crops or the production of biofuels, showcasing the wide-ranging impact of biotechnology on society.

The other terms, while related to biological sciences, do not directly refer to the modification or development of products through genetic and biochemical processes. Microbiology focuses on the study of microorganisms, genomics deals with the structure and function of genomes, and pharmacology is the study of drugs and their effects on the body. Each of these fields contributes to biotechnology, but none encapsulate its essence as completely as biotechnology itself does.