Genetic engineering
What Genetic engineering means in Biology GCSE, as defined for AQA, OCR.
Definitions of Genetic engineering
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Genetic engineering in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
A process which involves modifying the genome of an organism by introducing a gene from another organism to give a desired characteristic.
The process by which the DNA of plants such as GM crops has been altered, often to resist herbicides or pests.
A method that inserts a gene from another organism into a plant cell, which is then grown into a whole plant.
A process which involves modifying the genome of an organism to introduce desirable characteristics.
Changes an organism's DNA by inserting a gene from another organism.
Topics that use Genetic engineering
- Genetic engineering (AQA GCSE)
- Feeding the human race (OCR GCSE)
Related terms
- ligase
- sticky ends
- agricultural biotechnology
- agricultural economics
- Agriculture and medicine contexts
- antibiotic resistance markers
- Applications in animals, plants and microorganisms
- artificial selection
Using Genetic engineering in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Biology questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge