Biotechnology is based on biology, which is the study of life. The basic unit of life is the cell. Biologists study the structure and functions of cells—what cells do and how they do it. Biotechnologists use this information to develop products.

Biomedical researchers use their understanding of genes, proteins and cell parts to pinpoint the differences between diseased and healthy cells. When researchers know how diseased cells are altered and when they learn how to affect those alterations, they are better able to develop innovative medical diagnostics, devices and therapies.

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