GENETIC ENGINEERING

putting the scientific knowledge of genes and hereditary traits to practical uses

Genetic engineering, recombinant DNA technology, genetic modification/manipulation (GM) and gene splicing are terms that are applied to the direct manipulation of an organisms genes. Genetic modification of an organism can be achieved through a number of methods, most notably traditional breeding and recombinant technologies. The goal of both is the same, introduction of DNA (in the form of a gene) which in turn finds expression as favorable physical characteristics. Transgenic endeavors have found success in improving crop technology, the manufacture of human insulin through the use of modified bacteria, the manufacture of erythropoietin in Chinese hamster ovary cells, and the production of new types of experimental mice such as the OncoMouse (cancer mouse) for research.
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Noun
1. the technology of preparing recombinant DNA in vitro by cutting up DNA molecules and splicing together fragments from more than one organism
(synonym) gene-splicing, recombinant DNA technology
(hypernym) biotechnology

Altering genetic (DNA) molecules outside an organism (e.g., by inserting into a DNA molecule a segment from a very different DNA molecule) and making the resultant DNA molecules (called “recombinant DNA”) function in living things.

A process of inserting new genetic information into existing cells in order to modify a specific organism for the purpose of changing one of its characteristics.