Genetic engineering

Genetic engineering involves modifying an organism's genome by introducing a gene from another organism to give a desired characteristic. The transferred gene supplies instructions that the recipient did not previously have. Genes can be cut out from the chromosomes of humans or other organisms and transferred into other cells, including cells of a different species.

Genetic engineering directly modifies an organism's genome—its complete genetic material—to introduce desirable characteristics. One method transfers a useful gene from another organism. The recipient's cells can then use the gene to make a protein that gives the desired characteristic.