genetic engineering (GE)

Definition

Use of techniques such as recombinant DNA (rDNA) to alter the hereditary mechanisms of a living cell, so that it produces more or different chemicals or performs functions different from its natural (original) functions. GE techniques allow insertion or removal of specific gene material into or from an animal or plant's DNA to produce new species, thus obviating the trial and error and drawn out process of selective breeding. GE may be employed to make therapeutic substances (such as insulin from plants instead of pancreas) as well as new types of animals and vegetables for commercial or marketing purposes.