Abstract

VAN HEERDEN, PJ  and  LESSING, N. The economic potential of biotechnology. JCMAN [online]. 2004, vol.1, n.1, pp.68-81. ISSN 1815-7440.

The discovery of the DNA molecule structure in the 1950s introduced genetic engineering, also known as biotechnology. That is the branch of molecular biology that studies the use of micro-organisms to produce genetically modified bio-structures and the transfer of genes to unrelated species. This is aimed to better diagnoses and treatment of diseases and the development of agricultural products with improved attributes. This article investigates some of the challenges and opportunities facing the emerging biotechnology industry, and highlights the coloration between different role players from diverse disciplines. Various benefits of biotechnology are listed to counter some of the cynicism that surrounds biotechnology. In spite of these developments in the science of gene technology, the concerns of groups of consumers hamper rapid progress. The article concludes with reporting on an empirical investigation undertaken with post-graduate business students.

Keywords : biotechnology; DNA; genetic engineering; genetic modification.

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