Genetic engineering and biotechnology intersect in many ways. Both have been used, albeit unknowingly, since ancient times. For example, between 8000-1000 BCE, animals such as horses, camels, and various crops like maize and wheat were domesticated by the people of that era. After domestication, they started crossbreeding the animals and crops for better yields. For instance, they crossed a cow with high milk yield with a cow with high strength to obtain cows that produced more milk and were stronger. Similarly, by crossing high-yielding wheat with drought-resistant wheat, they obtained more productive crops that could withstand drought. Not only the ancient Romans or Greeks but also the Indians began conducting similar experiments. As a result of these studies, the concept of genetics emerged in the 1st century CE. In the 19th century, Mendel made significant contributions, firmly establishing the concepts of genes and genetics. From the 19th century to the present, numerous studies have been conducted to develop genetic engineering and biotechnology, shaping them into what they are today.

Genetic engineering and biotechnology have revolutionized various aspects of scientific research, agriculture, medicine, and industry. This field encompasses the manipulation of genetic material to alter the characteristics of organisms or to create new biological entities. In this paper, we provide a general overview of the principles that define genetic engineering, focusing on its core concepts, techniques, and applications.