What is meant by genetic engineering?

Genetic engineering refers to the manipulation of an organism's DNA to alter its characteristics. This process involves several techniques, including the addition, deletion, or modification of genes, allowing scientists to introduce new traits or enhance existing ones in an organism. For example, genetic engineering can be used to create crops that are resistant to pests or have improved nutritional content by modifying specific genes responsible for these traits.

While cloning of organisms involves replicating entire genetic material to create genetically identical copies, it does not directly pertain to altering DNA to create new characteristics. The creation of new organisms without DNA is not a feasible concept, as DNA is essential for the definition of an organism's genetic makeup. The study of inherited traits relates to how traits are passed down through generations and does not encompass the active manipulation of DNA or the traits themselves. Therefore, the definition of genetic engineering focuses specifically on the process of changing an organism’s DNA to achieve desirable changes in characteristics.