Genetic Modification
Definition
Genetic modification is the direct manipulation of an organism's genes using biotechnology. It's often used in agriculture to create crops that are more resistant to pests, diseases, and harsh environmental conditions.
Analogy
Think of genetic modification as a software update for plants. Just like how you'd update your phone's software to fix bugs or add new features, scientists can "update" a plant's genetic code to make it better in some way.
Related terms
Transgenic Organisms: These are organisms that have been genetically modified by inserting DNA from another species. This is often done in agriculture to create crops with desirable traits.
Selective Breeding: This is when humans breed plants or animals for specific genetic traits. It's a more traditional form of genetic manipulation that has been practiced for thousands of years.
Genome Sequencing: This is the process of determining the complete DNA sequence of an organism's genome at a single time. It provides valuable information about an organism’s genetics and can be used in conjunction with genetic modification.
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