What is the process of study and manipulation of living things or their components called?

The process of study and manipulation of living things or their components is referred to as biotechnology. This field encompasses a wide range of techniques and applications, including the genetic modification of organisms, the development of pharmaceuticals, and the use of cells and enzymes in industrial processes. Biotechnology directly involves manipulating biological systems and living organisms to develop products or processes that can enhance human life or environmental sustainability.

While genetics focuses specifically on heredity and the variation of organisms, and biology is the broad study of all living things, biotechnology applies this knowledge to create practical solutions. Microbiology, on the other hand, is centered on microorganisms, their actions, and their applications, but it does not inherently include the broader manipulative aspects that biotechnology covers. Therefore, biotechnology is the most accurate term for the study and manipulation of living organisms and their components, highlighting its role in innovation and applied sciences.