Biotechnology is the application of biological knowledge and techniques for the development of new products and processes. It has a rich and varied history, with many key developments and breakthroughs occurring over the past century. In this answer, we will provide a brief timeline of the history of biotechnology, highlighting some of the key events and achievements that have shaped the field.

1919-1944: Early Developments
The early years of biotechnology saw the development of basic techniques and tools that would later be used to study and manipulate biological systems. In 1919, German chemist Fritz Haber developed the first method for synthesizing ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen, a key process in the production of fertilizers. In the 1930s and 1940s, researchers including Oswald Avery and Alfred Hershey demonstrated that DNA is the genetic material that carries information from one generation to the next. This discovery paved the way for the development of new techniques for manipulating genes and studying the functions of different proteins.

1953-1973: Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering
The 1950s and 1960s saw a rapid expansion of research into the molecular biology of cells, with scientists exploring the structure and function of DNA, RNA, and proteins. In 1953, James Watson and Francis Crick proposed the structure of the DNA molecule, which revolutionized the field of genetics and paved the way for new techniques for studying and manipulating genes.

In the 1970s, the development of genetic engineering techniques allowed scientists to manipulate the DNA of living organisms, opening up new possibilities for the production of pharmaceuticals, agricultural products, and other materials. In 1973, Stanley Cohen and Herbert Boyer developed the first recombinant DNA molecule, which combined DNA from different sources to create a new genetic sequence. This breakthrough allowed scientists to create new organisms with specific traits, paving the way for the development of genetically modified crops, animals, and microorganisms.

1980s-1990s: Commercialization and Regulation
The 1980s and 1990s saw the rapid commercialization of biotechnology, with new companies and products emerging at a rapid pace. In 1982, the first genetically engineered drug, human insulin, was approved for use in the United States. This breakthrough opened the door to the development of other genetically engineered drugs and therapeutic proteins, including growth hormone and clotting factors.

At the same time, concerns about the safety and regulation of biotechnology products began to emerge. In 1986, the U.S. government passed the Coordinated Framework for Regulation of Biotechnology, which established a framework for the regulation of genetically engineered organisms. In the years that followed, governments around the world developed their own regulations for the safety and use of biotechnology products.

2000s-2020s: Advances in Genomics and Biomanufacturing
The past two decades have seen rapid advances in the field of genomics, with the sequencing of the human genome in 2001 opening up new possibilities for understanding and treating genetic diseases. Advances in gene editing technologies, such as CRISPR-Cas9, have allowed scientists to make precise changes to the DNA of living organisms, opening up new possibilities for the development of new therapies and biomanufacturing techniques.

In recent years, there has been a growing focus on the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly biomanufacturing processes, such as the use of renewable feedstocks and the development of biodegradable materials. There has also been a growing interest in the use of biotechnology for the production of alternative proteins, such as plant-based meat substitutes and cell-cultured meats.

In conclusion, the history of biotechnology is a long and fascinating one, with many key developments and breakthroughs occurring over the past century. From the early development of