What does the term 'genetic engineering' refer to?

The term 'genetic engineering' specifically refers to the process of manipulating an organism’s DNA to achieve desired traits. This involves techniques that allow scientists to alter the genetic material of living organisms, which can include adding, removing, or modifying specific genes. These alterations can lead to the expression of new traits that would not occur naturally. For example, genetic engineering can be used to create crops that are resistant to pests, have increased nutritional value, or can thrive in adverse environmental conditions.

This process is central to many applications in biotechnology, including agriculture, medicine, and industrial processes, and has widespread implications for improving food security, developing therapies for genetic disorders, and enhancing biodiversity through bioengineering.

The other options, while related to biology and genetics, do not accurately define genetic engineering. For instance, enhancing crop production without direct manipulation of DNA is more aligned with traditional breeding methods, while techniques for classifying species and studying inheritance patterns do focus on aspects of genetics but do not involve direct DNA manipulation or modifications typical of genetic engineering. Therefore, the definition provided correctly captures the essence of genetic engineering as a transformative biological process.