Which statement best defines genetic engineering?

Which statement best defines genetic engineering?

• A. A technology that includes the process of manipulating or altering the genetic material of a cell resulting in desirable functions or outcomes that would not occur naturally
• B. A process of making changes in the DNA code of living organisms
• C. The direct manipulation of genes for practical purposes
• D. A method of transferring proteins between cells

Answer: (A)

Genetic engineering is the deliberate use of tools and techniques to manipulate an organism’s genetic material so that new traits or functions appear that would not occur naturally. That’s why this option best captures the idea: it describes a technology that involves altering the genetic material to achieve desirable outcomes that wouldn’t arise in nature. While changing DNA and directly manipulating genes for practical purposes are related concepts, they don’t on their own emphasize the engineered outcomes that wouldn’t naturally occur. Transferring proteins between cells, on the other hand, doesn’t involve altering the genetic material itself, so it isn’t a definition of genetic engineering.

Genetic engineering is the deliberate use of tools and techniques to manipulate an organism’s genetic material so that new traits or functions appear that would not occur naturally. That’s why this option best captures the idea: it describes a technology that involves altering the genetic material to achieve desirable outcomes that wouldn’t arise in nature. While changing DNA and directly manipulating genes for practical purposes are related concepts, they don’t on their own emphasize the engineered outcomes that wouldn’t naturally occur. Transferring proteins between cells, on the other hand, doesn’t involve altering the genetic material itself, so it isn’t a definition of genetic engineering.