genetic engineering

[ juh-net-ik en-juh-neer-ing ]

noun

, Genetics.

1. the development and application of scientific methods, procedures, and technologies that permit direct manipulation of genetic material in order to alter the hereditary traits of a cell, organism, or population.
2. a technique that produces unlimited amounts of otherwise unavailable or scarce biological product by introducing DNA isolated from animals or plants into bacteria and then harvesting the product from a bacterial colony, as human insulin produced in bacteria by the human insulin gene.

genetic engineering

noun

1. alteration of the DNA of a cell for purposes of research, as a means of manufacturing animal proteins, correcting genetic defects, or making improvements to plants and animals bred by man

genetic engineering

1. The science of altering and cloning genes to produce a new trait in an organism or to make a biological substance, such as a protein or hormone. Genetic engineering mainly involves the creation of recombinant DNA, which is then inserted into the genetic material of a cell or virus.

genetic engineering

1. The manipulation of DNA to produce new types of organisms, usually by inserting or deleting genes .

Notes

Genetic engineering has been developed commercially, with uses such as producing human insulin or bacteria that will keep plants from freezing in a mild frost. It is also used to produce genetically modified organisms .

U.S. courts have ruled that the products of genetic engineering can be patented.

There is often controversy about the risk involved in releasing genetically engineered organisms into the environment.

Other Words From

• ge·net·ic en·gi·neer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of genetic engineering¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Folk said the single origin idea would suggest that the genetic engineering of crops, such as rice and maize, to work with nitrogen-fixing bacteria is a "lower hurdle" to cross.

From Science Daily

To prevent the antibody-drug conjugates from also attacking the new blood stem cells, or the blood cells they produce, the researchers use genetic engineering techniques to modify the donor stem cells in a targeted manner.

From Science Daily

In the second approach, the research team used genetic engineering to remove a protein in the newly-formed neurons that slows down neuron growth.

From Science Daily

The researchers used genetic engineering approaches to modify the molecular structure of an enzyme -- 'Ado.'

From Science Daily

Recent advances in genetic engineering have allowed researchers to tweak the genes of the animal organs to make them more compatible with their recipients.

From New York Times