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View synonyms for genetic engineering

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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 .


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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.
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Other Words From

  • ge·net·ic en·gi·neer noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of genetic engineering1

First recorded in 1965–70

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genetic driftgenetic fallacy