An example of these benefits of collaboration is the way in which the fields of microbiology and genetics evolved together to benefit each other and society. Microbiology offers tools for biotechnology, and biotechnology leads to better understanding and classification of microbes.

• Do some research at the CDC website or PubMed library to name one example of biotechnology (opens in new window) that has contributed to the health of humans or the health of the planet.
• What micro-organisms or biological processes were isolated, studied, or controlled in order to develop that biotechnology?
• What procedures might have been utilized to isolate such microorganisms?