genetic engineering
genetic engineering — noun
1. the scientific process of changing the DNA of a living organism — such as a crop
the scientific process of changing the DNA of a living organism — such as a crop plant, a farm animal, or a microbe — in order to give it new qualities like resistance to disease, faster growth, or the ability to produce useful substances
Scientists in Nairobi used genetic engineering to develop cassava plants that resist common viruses.
collocation: use genetic engineering to develop
Rafael wrote a report on the risks and benefits of genetic engineering in food.
Environmental groups have raised questions about genetic engineering and its long-term effects on wild plants.
Mizuki is studying whether genetic engineering can help make chickens resistant to bird flu.
The farmers worried that genetic engineering would change the natural qualities of their corn crops.
- genetic modification
the most common near-synonym, especially in discussions of food and agriculture; slightly broader in scope
- gene technology
a broader term that also includes methods like gene editing; more formal in tone
- GM
an abbreviation used mainly in the context of crops and food labelling; very common in journalism
用法筆記
The term is used as an uncountable noun and is most often found in scientific, political, and public debate contexts. Distinguish from sense 2, which focuses on the specific laboratory techniques rather than the broader field or application.
常見錯誤
2. a set of laboratory methods in which an organism's DNA is cut at specific points
a set of laboratory methods in which an organism's DNA is cut at specific points and recombined with genetic material from another source, allowing scientists to add, remove, or change particular genes in order to produce or block specific characteristics
Kian learned that genetic engineering can insert a human gene into bacteria to make insulin.
pattern: genetic engineering can insert [gene] into [organism] to produce [substance]
The new regulations restrict genetic engineering techniques that remove genes linked to inherited eye disorders.
Dr. Chidi Okonkwo used genetic engineering to silence a gene that spoils tomatoes.
A team in Japan used genetic engineering to move a fish gene into strawberry plants.
The documentary showed how genetic engineering created zebrafish that glow under UV light.
- genetic modification
the broader umbrella term; 'genetic engineering' in this sense is a subset that specifically involves recombinant DNA techniques
- recombinant DNA technology
the precise technical term for the methods described here; very formal and scientific
- gene splicing
an older, more colloquial term that refers to the cutting-and-joining part of the process
用法筆記
Frequently passive or used with 'used to' (be used to insert / be used to create). This sense is more technical than sense 1 and appears mainly in scientific journals, patents, and advanced textbooks.