Genetic engineering (GE) is an applied science that involves directly modifying the genetic code of an organism through artificial means. This often involves taking specific traits from the genetic code of one species and transferring them to an entirely different species. The resulting hybrid is called a genetically modified organism (GMO) or transgenic. This is done to produce specific benefits.
Genetic engineering is different from traditional cross-breeding where genetic information can only be exchanged by species that are closely related. With genetic engineering, the DNA of a species can be cut, and parts can be taken and reattached to the DNA of another species to produce certain effects that the added DNA provides the genetic information for. This alters the hereditary traits of an organism.
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