How Scientists Edit DNA for New Traits

Genetic engineering changes an organism’s DNA to add useful traits. Scientists use it in bacteria, plants, animals, and even viruses for research, medicine, agriculture, and industry. It can bring major benefits, but it also raises ethical concerns about humans and the food supply.

This work is p...

Genetic engineering is the modification of the genetic code, the DNA of an organism.

The nucleotide sequence of a gene may be changed, using genome editing techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9. A gene could be removed, or knocked out, altogether, or, a new one could be inserted.

For instance, adding a gene from another species to creat...