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View synonyms for genetic engineering
genetic engineering
[ juh-net-ik en-juh-neer-ing ]
noun
, Genetics.
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- 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.
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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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