genetic engineering

/dʒəˌnɛdɪk ˈɛndʒəˌnɪərɪŋ/

/dʒəˈnɛtɪk ɛndʒɪˈnɪərɪŋ/

When scientists change an organism's DNA, that's genetic engineering. In agriculture, genetic engineering can produce food crops that are resistant to insects.

Modifying the genes of a plant or animal can be useful in many ways, although the use of genetic engineering is controversial. Researchers frequently use this technique to develop medicine, and invasive species can often be controlled or eliminated through genetic engineering. Food crops commonly have their genes altered to make them grow larger, ripen more slowly, or be resistant to pesticides. Scientists are currently trying to genetically engineer mosquitoes and ticks to slow the spread of insect-borne diseases.

Definitions of genetic engineering

1. noun

   the technology of preparing recombinant DNA in vitro by cutting up DNA molecules and splicing together fragments from more than one organism
   synonyms: gene-splicing, recombinant DNA technology

   type of:

   biotech, biotechnology

   the process and study of using microorganisms for industrial purposes