The artificial manipulation or alteration of genes is called what?

The artificial manipulation or alteration of genes is called what?

• A. Mutations
• B. Genetic engineering
• C. Cloning
• D. Recombination

Answer: (B)

Genetic engineering is the deliberate, human-directed modification of an organism’s genetic material to change its traits or functions. It involves adding, removing, or editing genes using biotechnological tools, enabling outcomes like crops that resist pests or bacteria engineered to produce insulin. This makes it the best answer because it specifically describes intentional changes to the genome. Mutations are changes in DNA that can occur spontaneously or from mutagens; they aren’t necessarily designed or controlled. Recombination is the natural exchange or rearrangement of genetic material during processes like meiosis or DNA repair, not an act of purposeful gene alteration. Cloning is about copying DNA, cells, or entire organisms, which is a replication process rather than changing gene function.

Genetic engineering is the deliberate, human-directed modification of an organism’s genetic material to change its traits or functions. It involves adding, removing, or editing genes using biotechnological tools, enabling outcomes like crops that resist pests or bacteria engineered to produce insulin. This makes it the best answer because it specifically describes intentional changes to the genome.

Mutations are changes in DNA that can occur spontaneously or from mutagens; they aren’t necessarily designed or controlled. Recombination is the natural exchange or rearrangement of genetic material during processes like meiosis or DNA repair, not an act of purposeful gene alteration. Cloning is about copying DNA, cells, or entire organisms, which is a replication process rather than changing gene function.