Here's why:

* Biotechnology is a broad field that uses living organisms and their components to create products and technologies. It encompasses areas like genetic engineering, cell culture, and bioremediation.

* Chemistry is the study of matter and its properties, as well as how matter changes. It provides the foundation for understanding the chemical processes that occur within living organisms.

Think of it this way:

* Chemistry is the toolset used in biotechnology.

* Biotechnology is the application of that toolset to solve problems in areas like medicine, agriculture, and environmental science.

Here are some specific examples:

* Genetic engineering: Understanding the chemical structure of DNA and how it functions is crucial for manipulating genes. This requires knowledge of biochemistry and molecular biology, both of which are heavily intertwined with chemistry.

* Bioremediation: Cleaning up pollution often involves understanding and manipulating the chemical reactions that occur in microbes.

* Drug development: Designing and synthesizing new drugs relies on a deep understanding of organic chemistry and how molecules interact with biological systems.

While biotechnology isn't a branch of chemistry, they are intertwined and essential for each other's progress.