| Type | Biotechnological process |
| Process | Conversion of sugars into other substances |
| Discovery | Around 10,000 BC in the Near East |
| Applications | Preserving food • Making alcoholic beverages • Baking bread |
| Microorganisms involved | Yeast • bacteria |
| Impact on human societies | Growth of early civilizations • Expansion of food economies • Development of trade • Inspiring early forms of chemistry |
