Which term denotes the technology that introduces or edits genes to produce desirable traits?

Which term denotes the technology that introduces or edits genes to produce desirable traits?

• A. Gene therapy
• B. Genome editing
• C. Genetic engineering
• D. Hybridization

Answer: (C)

Altering genetic material to create new features is genetic engineering. This broad field covers methods that introduce new genes, remove or modify existing ones, and otherwise edit DNA to produce desirable traits in crops, animals, or microbes. Gene therapy focuses on fixing faulty genes to treat diseases in humans, so it’s more about medical applications than producing traits broadly. Genome editing is a precise method within genetic engineering that targets specific DNA sequences for changes, but the overall idea of engineering to achieve traits comes from genetic engineering. Hybridization involves crossing organisms to blend traits through breeding, not by directly editing genes at the DNA level. Because it describes the comprehensive approach to changing genes to obtain desired characteristics, genetic engineering is the best fit.

Altering genetic material to create new features is genetic engineering. This broad field covers methods that introduce new genes, remove or modify existing ones, and otherwise edit DNA to produce desirable traits in crops, animals, or microbes. Gene therapy focuses on fixing faulty genes to treat diseases in humans, so it’s more about medical applications than producing traits broadly. Genome editing is a precise method within genetic engineering that targets specific DNA sequences for changes, but the overall idea of engineering to achieve traits comes from genetic engineering. Hybridization involves crossing organisms to blend traits through breeding, not by directly editing genes at the DNA level. Because it describes the comprehensive approach to changing genes to obtain desired characteristics, genetic engineering is the best fit.