Biotechnology is defined as any technique that uses living organisms or substances from those organisms to make or modify a product, to improve plants or animals, or to develop microorganisms for specific uses. It helps meet basic human needs like food, clothing, shelter, health and safety through scientific advances in agriculture, medicine, and environmental management. Some key applications of biotechnology include using enzymes in detergents and the pulp and paper industry, genetically engineering crops for traits like insect or drought resistance, and developing pharmaceuticals through biotechnology techniques like genetic engineering and cell culture.