Genetic engineering

In genetic engineering, a gene from one organism is introduced into the genome of another to produce a desired characteristic. The receiving organism is genetically modified (GM). Unlike selective breeding, which chooses parents and takes place over generations, this process transfers a particular gene directly.

Genetic engineering deliberately modifies an organism’s genome to introduce a desirable characteristic. One way to do this is to add a gene that provides instructions the organism did not previously have. The modified organism can then make the protein coded for by that gene.

Genetic engineering is the process of modifying an organism’s genome to introduce a desirable characteristic. Genetic material can be altered or a gene from another organism can be introduced. The organism whose genome has been changed is described as genetically modified, or GM.

Genetic engineering is the direct modification of an organism’s genome to introduce a desirable characteristic. The modification may involve adding a gene, altering existing DNA or changing how a gene is regulated. For example, a crop genome might be modified with the aim of making the plant resistant to a particular pest, while bacteria might be modified so that they produce a medically useful substance.