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Biotech Engineering Terminologies

Biotech Engineering Terminologies. More than 250 terminologies used in Biotech Engineering. 50 FAQs on Biotech Engineering Terminologies

Biotech Engineering Terminologies

Biotech Engineering terminologies form the foundation of understanding biotechnology concepts, processes, and applications. These terms are widely used in areas such as genetic engineering, molecular biology, bioprocess engineering, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, medical diagnostics, and environmental biotechnology. Each terminology represents a specific idea, technique, instrument, or biological phenomenon that helps engineers, researchers, and students communicate accurately and efficiently.

A strong command of Biotech Engineering terminology is essential for:

  • Academic learning, including exams, research papers, and laboratory work
  • Industrial applications, such as biopharmaceutical production, fermentation technology, and quality control
  • Research and innovation, especially in genomics, proteomics, vaccine development, and synthetic biology
  • Interdisciplinary collaboration, where biotechnology intersects with electronics, chemical engineering, data science, and medical sciences

Understanding these terms also improves clarity in scientific documentation, regulatory compliance, patents, and global research communication. As biotechnology evolves rapidly, terminologies continue to expand, reflecting advancements in areas like CRISPR gene editing, next-generation sequencing, nanobiotechnology, and personalised medicine.

More than 250 terminologies used in Biotech Engineering

Biotech Engineering Terminologies

Below is a list of more than 250 terminologies used in Biotech Engineering:

Biotech Engineering Terminologies – A 

  1. Abiotic Factor– Non-living environmental component affecting organisms.
  2. Absorbance– Measure of light absorbed by a solution.
  3. Activated Sludge– Microbial biomass used in wastewater treatment.
  4. Adaptive Immunity– Acquired immune response specific to pathogens.
  5. Agarose Gel– Matrix used in DNA separation.
  6. Allele– Alternative form of a gene.
  7. Amino Acid– Building block of proteins.
  8. Anaerobic Respiration– Energy generation without oxygen.
  9. Antibody– Protein that binds to antigens.
  10. Antigen– Substance that triggers immune response. 

Biotech Engineering Terminologies – B 

  1. Bacteriophage– Virus that infects bacteria.
  2. Batch Culture– Closed system microbial growth.
  3. Bioassay– Measurement of biological activity.
  4. Biocatalyst– Enzyme accelerating biochemical reactions.
  5. Biodegradation– Breakdown by biological processes.
  6. Bioinformatics– Computational analysis of biological data.
  7. Biomass– Total mass of living matter.
  8. Bioprocessing– Industrial biological production.
  9. Bioreactor– Vessel for controlled biological reactions.
  10. Biosafety– Safe handling of biological materials. 

Biotech Engineering Terminologies – C 

  1. Callus Culture– Undifferentiated plant cell mass.
  2. Cell Cycle– Series of cell growth phases.
  3. Cell Line– Cells maintained in culture.
  4. Cellulose– Structural polysaccharide in plants.
  5. Chromosome– DNA-protein genetic structure.
  6. Cloning Vector– DNA used for gene insertion.
  7. Codon– Triplet coding for amino acid.
  8. Conjugation– Genetic transfer between bacteria.
  9. Cryopreservation– Storage at very low temperature.
  10. Cytokine– Cell signalling protein. 

Biotech Engineering Terminologies – D 

  1. Denaturation– Loss of protein structure.
  2. Differentiation– Cell specialisation process.
  3. DNA Fingerprinting– Genetic identification technique.
  4. Downstream Processing– Product recovery and purification.
  5. Drug Delivery System– Controlled drug transport method.
  6. Dye Terminator Sequencing– DNA sequencing method.
  7. Diploid Cell– Cell with two chromosome sets.
  8. Disinfection– Elimination of pathogens.
  9. Domain Protein– Functional protein region.
  10. Double Helix– DNA structural shape. 

Biotech Engineering Terminologies – E 

  1. Ecosystem– Community of organisms and environment.
  2. Electrophoresis– Separation using electric field.
  3. ELISA– Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
  4. Endonuclease– Enzyme cutting DNA internally.
  5. Enzyme– Biological catalyst.
  6. Epigenetics– Gene regulation without DNA change.
  7. Expression Vector– DNA enabling gene expression.
  8. Ex Vivo Culture– Growth outside organism.
  9. Exon– Coding DNA segment.
  10. Extracellular Matrix– Structural cell network. 

Biotech Engineering Terminologies – F 

  1. Fermentation– Microbial biochemical process.
  2. Flow Cytometry– Cell analysis by laser.
  3. Freeze Drying– Water removal by sublimation.
  4. Functional Genomics– Study of gene functions.
  5. Fungal Culture– Growth of fungi.
  6. Feedback Inhibition– Enzyme regulation mechanism.
  7. Fusion Protein– Combined protein product.
  8. F plasmid– Fertility plasmid.
  9. Field Trial– Outdoor experiment evaluation.
  10. Fixation– Preservation of biological samples. 

Biotech Engineering Terminologies – G 

  1. Gene Expression– Conversion of gene information.
  2. Gene Library– Collection of cloned genes.
  3. Gene Therapy– Treatment using genes.
  4. Genome– Complete genetic material.
  5. Genetic Engineering– DNA modification technology.
  6. Genotype– Genetic constitution.
  7. Germplasm– Genetic resources.
  8. Glycolysis– Glucose breakdown pathway.
  9. Growth Medium– Nutrient solution for culture.
  10. Green Biotechnology– Agricultural biotechnology. 

Biotech Engineering Terminologies – H 

  1. Haploid Cell– Single chromosome set cell.
  2. Hemoglobin– Oxygen-carrying protein.
  3. Hybridoma– Antibody-producing cell line.
  4. Host Cell– Cell harbouring foreign DNA.
  5. Hormone– Chemical signalling molecule.
  6. Horizontal Gene Transfer– Gene exchange between species.
  7. Hydroponics– Soil-less plant cultivation.
  8. Histology– Study of tissues.
  9. Hybridisation– Genetic combination process.
  10. Homeostasis– Internal balance maintenance. 

Biotech Engineering Terminologies – I 

  1. Immobilised Enzyme– Fixed enzyme system.
  2. Immunology– Study of immune system.
  3. Incubator– Controlled growth chamber.
  4. Inoculum– Starter culture.
  5. Intron– Non-coding DNA segment.
  6. In Vitro Culture– Growth in lab conditions.
  7. In Vivo Study– Experiment in living organism.
  8. Isoenzyme– Enzyme variants.
  9. Inducer– Substance activating gene expression.
  10. Interferon– Antiviral protein. 

Biotech Engineering Terminologies – J 

  1. Junk DNA– Non-coding genomic DNA.
  2. Juvenile Hormone– Insect development regulator.
  3. Joint Venture Biotech– Collaborative biotech enterprise.
  4. J-Curve Growth– Exponential growth pattern.
  5. Joule Heating– Thermal effect on cells.
  6. Juxtacrine Signalling– Cell-to-cell contact signalling.
  7. Jet Milling– Particle size reduction.
  8. Junction Protein– Cell adhesion protein.
  9. Jelly Coat– Protective embryo layer.
  10. J-Protein– Chaperone protein. 

Biotech Engineering Terminologies – K 

  1. Karyotype– Chromosome arrangement.
  2. Keratin– Structural protein.
  3. Kinetic Study– Reaction rate analysis.
  4. Knockout Gene– Disabled gene.
  5. Koji Fermentation– Traditional microbial process.
  6. Krebs Cycle– Energy production pathway.
  7. Kinase– Phosphate-transferring enzyme.
  8. Kill Curve– Microbial death rate.
  9. Kinetochore– Chromosome attachment site.
  10. Kefir Culture– Probiotic fermentation. 

Biotech Engineering Terminologies – L 

  1. Lag Phase– Initial microbial growth stage.
  2. Ligase– DNA joining enzyme.
  3. Lipid Bilayer– Cell membrane structure.
  4. Lyophilisation– Freeze drying process.
  5. Lytic Cycle– Viral replication method.
  6. Lysosome– Cellular digestion organelle.
  7. Lab-on-a-Chip– Miniaturised laboratory system.
  8. Live Attenuated Vaccine– Weakened pathogen vaccine.
  9. Lineage Cell– Descendant cell group.
  10. Lectin– Carbohydrate-binding protein. 

Biotech Engineering Terminologies – M 

  1. Metabolism– All biochemical reactions.
  2. Microarray– Gene expression analysis tool.
  3. Microbiology– Study of microorganisms.
  4. Mitotic Division– Cell division for growth.
  5. Monoclonal Antibody– Single-type antibody.
  6. mRNA– Messenger RNA.
  7. Mutation– DNA sequence change.
  8. Micropropagation– Rapid plant multiplication.
  9. Metagenomics– Environmental DNA study.
  10. Membrane Filtration– Separation technique. 

Biotech Engineering Terminologies – N 

  1. Nanobiotechnology– Nano-scale biological engineering.
  2. Native Protein– Naturally folded protein.
  3. Nitrogen Fixation– Conversion to usable nitrogen.
  4. Non-Coding RNA– Regulatory RNA.
  5. Nucleic Acid– DNA or RNA.
  6. Nucleosome– DNA-histone complex.
  7. Nutrient Medium– Growth-supporting material.
  8. Neutralisation– Antibody-antigen reaction.
  9. Neurotransmitter– Nerve signal chemical.
  10. Next-Generation Sequencing– Advanced DNA sequencing. 

Biotech Engineering Terminologies – O 

  1. Oncogene– Cancer-causing gene.
  2. Operon– Gene regulatory unit.
  3. Organelle– Cellular structure.
  4. Organ Culture– Tissue maintained in vitro.
  5. Osmosis– Water movement across membrane.
  6. Oxidative Phosphorylation– ATP generation pathway.
  7. Open Reading Frame– Protein-coding DNA.
  8. Optical Density– Cell concentration measure.
  9. Orphan Gene– Gene without known homolog.
  10. Oxygen Uptake Rate– Metabolic indicator. 

Biotech Engineering Terminologies – P 

  1. PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)– DNA amplification method.
  2. Plasmid– Extra-chromosomal DNA.
  3. Primary Cell Culture– Cells from tissue.
  4. Protein Engineering– Protein structure modification.
  5. Proteomics– Protein study.
  6. Pathogen– Disease-causing organism.
  7. Phenotype– Observable traits.
  8. Pharmacogenomics– Drug-gene interaction study.
  9. Photobioreactor– Light-based culture system.
  10. Prokaryote– Cell without nucleus. 

Biotech Engineering Terminologies – Q 

  1. Quality Control– Product consistency assurance.
  2. Quarantine Culture– Isolated growth system.
  3. Quiescent Cell– Non-dividing cell.
  4. Quantitative PCR– DNA quantification technique.
  5. Quorum Sensing– Microbial communication.
  6. Quaternary Structure– Protein structural level.
  7. Quick-Freezing– Rapid preservation method.
  8. Quasi-Species– Viral population variants.
  9. Quality Assurance– Process reliability system.
  10. Quantum Biology– Quantum effects in biology. 

Biotech Engineering Terminologies – R 

  1. Recombinant DNA– Engineered DNA molecule.
  2. Restriction Enzyme– DNA cutting enzyme.
  3. Ribosome– Protein synthesis machinery.
  4. RNA Sequencing– Transcriptome analysis.
  5. Regulatory Gene– Controls gene expression.
  6. Reverse Transcriptase– RNA to DNA enzyme.
  7. Rhizobacteria– Root-associated bacteria.
  8. Regeneration– Tissue regrowth process.
  9. Reporter Gene– Gene expression indicator.
  10. Resistance Marker– Selection gene. 

Biotech Engineering Terminologies – S 

  1. Stem Cell– Undifferentiated cell.
  2. Substrate– Enzyme reaction target.
  3. Somatic Cell– Non-reproductive cell.
  4. Southern Blotting– DNA detection method.
  5. Sterilisation– Microbial elimination.
  6. Signal Transduction– Cellular communication pathway.
  7. Secondary Metabolite– Non-growth compound.
  8. Serology– Antibody study.
  9. Synthetic Biology– Design of biological systems.
  10. Spore Formation– Survival structure creation. 

Biotech Engineering Terminologies – T 

  1. Transcription– RNA synthesis from DNA.
  2. Translation– Protein synthesis from RNA.
  3. Transgenic Organism– Foreign gene organism.
  4. Tissue Culture– In vitro tissue growth.
  5. Toxicology– Study of toxic substances.
  6. Telomere– Chromosome end structure.
  7. Thermostable Enzyme– Heat-resistant enzyme.
  8. Transformation– DNA uptake by cells.
  9. Tumour Suppressor Gene– Cancer-preventing gene.
  10. Tracer Study– Pathway tracking method. 

Biotech Engineering Terminologies – U 

  1. Upstream Processing– Raw material preparation.
  2. Ubiquitin– Protein degradation tag.
  3. Ultracentrifugation– High-speed separation.
  4. Unicellular Organism– Single-celled life.
  5. Universal Primer– Common PCR primer.
  6. Uptake Rate– Nutrient absorption speed.
  7. UV Mutagenesis– Mutation via UV light.
  8. Uracil– RNA nitrogen base.
  9. User Bioreactor Interface– Control system.
  10. Utilisation Pathway– Metabolic route. 

Biotech Engineering Terminologies – V 

  1. Vaccine– Immune protection preparation.
  2. Vector– Gene transfer vehicle.
  3. Virulence Factor– Pathogenic trait.
  4. Viability Test– Living cell assessment.
  5. Virus– Obligate intracellular parasite.
  6. Viral Load– Quantity of virus.
  7. Vaccinology– Vaccine science.
  8. Vesicle Transport– Cellular transport system.
  9. Volumetric Productivity– Production rate measure.
  10. Virome– Viral genetic community. 

Biotech Engineering Terminologies – W 

  1. Western Blotting– Protein detection technique.
  2. Whole Genome Sequencing– Complete DNA analysis.
  3. Wastewater Biotechnology– Biological waste treatment.
  4. Wild Type– Natural gene form.
  5. Working Cell Bank– Stored cell source.
  6. Wash Buffer– Cleaning solution.
  7. Water Activity– Microbial growth factor.
  8. Wound Healing Assay– Cell migration test.
  9. White Biotechnology– Industrial biotechnology.
  10. Whole Cell Catalyst– Living biocatalyst. 
Biotech Engineering Terminologies – X 
  1. Xenobiotic– Foreign chemical compound.
  2. X-Ray Crystallography– Protein structure analysis.
  3. Xenotransplantation– Cross-species transplant.
  4. Xylanase– Hemicellulose-degrading enzyme.
  5. X-Chromosome– Sex chromosome.
  6. X-Linked Disorder– Genetic disease pattern.
  7. Xerophilic Microbe– Dry-loving organism.
  8. X-Vector– Gene cloning carrier.
  9. X-Pression System– Protein expression platform.
  10. X-Ray Mutagenesis– Radiation-induced mutation. 

Biotech Engineering Terminologies – Y 

  1. Yeast Artificial Chromosome– Large DNA cloning system.
  2. Yield Coefficient– Biomass production efficiency.
  3. Yolk Sac Culture– Embryonic tissue study.
  4. Y-Linked Gene– Male-specific gene.
  5. Yeast Two-Hybrid System– Protein interaction assay.
  6. Y-Parameter Analysis– Growth performance measure.
  7. Yield Optimisation– Production improvement.
  8. Y-Family Polymerase– DNA repair enzyme.
  9. Yolk Protein– Nutrient storage protein.
  10. Y-Axis Growth Curve– Biomass measurement. 

Biotech Engineering Terminologies – Z 

  1. Zoonotic Disease– Animal-to-human infection.
  2. Zygote– Fertilised egg cell.
  3. Zymogen– Inactive enzyme precursor.
  4. Z-Score Analysis– Statistical normalisation.
  5. Z-DNA– Alternative DNA structure.
  6. Zinc Finger Protein– DNA-binding protein.
  7. Zone of Inhibition– Antimicrobial test area.
  8. Zooplankton– Microscopic aquatic animals.
  9. Zeta Potential– Particle surface charge.
  10. Zygotic Gene Activation– Early gene expression. 

Conclusion

Biotech Engineering terminologies play a crucial role in shaping knowledge, skills, and professional competence in the field of biotechnology. They act as a common language that connects theory with practical implementation, from laboratory research to large-scale industrial production. A systematic and alphabetical understanding of these terms enables students and professionals to grasp complex biological systems with confidence and precision.

In conclusion, mastering Biotech Engineering terminology is not just an academic requirement but a long-term professional asset. It enhances problem-solving ability, supports innovation, and prepares individuals to contribute effectively to healthcare, agriculture, environmental sustainability, and industrial biotechnology. As the biotech sector continues to grow globally, a strong terminological foundation will remain essential for success, research excellence, and technological progress.

50 FAQs on Biotech Engineering Terminologies

Below are 50 FAQs on Biotech Engineering Terminologies, suitable for students, exam preparation, technical interviews, and academic learning.

FAQs on Biotech Engineering Terminologies

  1. What are Biotech Engineering terminologies?
    Biotech Engineering terminologies are specialised technical words used to describe biological processes, tools, techniques, and systems in biotechnology.
  2. Why are terminologies important in biotechnology?
    They ensure accurate communication, reduce ambiguity, and help in understanding complex biological concepts clearly.
  3. What is the meaning of genetic engineering?
    Genetic engineering is the direct modification of an organism’s DNA to achieve desired traits.
  4. What does recombinant DNA mean?
    Recombinant DNA refers to DNA formed by combining genetic material from different sources.
  5. What is a bioreactor in biotechnology?
    A bioreactor is a controlled vessel used to grow microorganisms or cells for industrial production.
  6. What is fermentation in biotech terms?
    Fermentation is a biological process where microorganisms convert substrates into useful products.
  7. What is PCR terminology used for?
    PCR terminology relates to techniques that amplify specific DNA segments.
  8. What is a cloning vector?
    A cloning vector is a DNA molecule used to transfer foreign DNA into a host cell.
  9. What does downstream processing mean?
    Downstream processing involves the separation and purification of biotechnological products.
  10. What is an enzyme in biotechnology?
    An enzyme is a biological catalyst that speeds up biochemical reactions.
  11. What is a gene library?
    A gene library is a collection of DNA fragments representing an organism’s genome.
  12. What is meant by gene expression?
    Gene expression is the process by which genetic information is converted into proteins.
  13. What is a monoclonal antibody?
    A monoclonal antibody is produced from a single cell line and targets one specific antigen.
  14. What is bioinformatics terminology used for?
    Bioinformatics terms describe the use of computational tools to analyse biological data.
  15. What is a plasmid?
    A plasmid is a small, circular DNA molecule separate from chromosomal DNA.
  16. What does cell culture mean?
    Cell culture is the growth of cells under controlled laboratory conditions.
  17. What is an antigen?
    An antigen is a substance that triggers an immune response.
  18. What is an antibody?
    An antibody is a protein that specifically binds to an antigen.
  19. What is gene therapy terminology?
    Gene therapy terms relate to techniques that treat diseases by modifying genes.
  20. What is tissue culture in biotechnology?
    Tissue culture is the in vitro growth of plant or animal tissues.
  21. What is a restriction enzyme?
    A restriction enzyme cuts DNA at specific sequences.
  22. What does CRISPR terminology represent?
    CRISPR terms relate to precise genome editing technology.
  23. What is a transgenic organism?
    A transgenic organism contains a foreign gene introduced artificially.
  24. What is stem cell terminology?
    Stem cell terms describe undifferentiated cells capable of developing into specialised cells.
  25. What is metagenomics?
    Metagenomics is the study of genetic material from environmental samples.
  26. What is an operon?
    An operon is a group of genes regulated together in prokaryotes.
  27. What does fermentation kinetics mean?
    Fermentation kinetics studies the rate of microbial growth and product formation.
  28. What is vaccine terminology used for?
    Vaccine terms describe substances that stimulate immune protection.
  29. What is an expression vector?
    An expression vector enables the production of proteins from cloned genes.
  30. What is a hybridoma?
    A hybridoma is a cell formed by fusing an antibody-producing cell with a cancer cell.
  31. What is a biosensor?
    A biosensor is a device that detects biological substances using a biological element.
  32. What is bioprocess engineering?
    Bioprocess engineering applies engineering principles to biological production processes.
  33. What does upstream processing mean?
    Upstream processing includes preparation of raw materials and cell cultivation.
  34. What is a growth medium?
    A growth medium provides nutrients required for microbial or cell growth.
  35. What is electrophoresis?
    Electrophoresis separates DNA, RNA, or proteins using an electric field.
  36. What is protein engineering?
    Protein engineering involves modifying protein structure for improved function.
  37. What is immunotechnology?
    Immunotechnology applies immune system components for diagnostics and therapy.
  38. What is a reporter gene?
    A reporter gene indicates the activity of another gene.
  39. What is fermentation broth?
    Fermentation broth is the liquid mixture containing microorganisms and products.
  40. What is a biopharmaceutical?
    A biopharmaceutical is a medical drug produced using biotechnology.
  41. What is a knockout gene?
    A knockout gene is intentionally disabled to study its function.
  42. What does sterilisation mean in biotech?
    Sterilisation eliminates all microorganisms from equipment or media.
  43. What is synthetic biology?
    Synthetic biology designs and constructs new biological systems.
  44. What is a biopolymer?
    A biopolymer is a polymer produced by living organisms.
  45. What is viability testing?
    Viability testing determines whether cells are alive and functional.
  46. What is a cell bank?
    A cell bank is a stored collection of characterised cells.
  47. What is enzyme immobilisation?
    Enzyme immobilisation fixes enzymes onto solid supports for reuse.
  48. What is biodegradation?
    Biodegradation is the breakdown of materials by biological action.
  49. What is a fermentation substrate?
    A fermentation substrate is the raw material used by microorganisms.
  50. Why should students learn Biotech Engineering terminologies?
    Learning terminologies improves conceptual clarity, exam performance, and professional communication.

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