What is a transgenic organism?

Prepare for the Biotech Certification Test. Study with quizzes, in-depth explanations, and helpful hints. Boost your confidence and knowledge to excel in your exam journey!

A transgenic organism is a living entity that has been genetically modified to include a gene from another species. This process typically involves the insertion of new genetic material into the organism's genome, allowing it to express traits or characteristics that are not naturally part of its genetic makeup. This technique is widely used in biotechnology for various purposes, such as improving crop resistance to pests, enhancing nutritional content, or even producing pharmaceutical compounds, such as insulin.

Transgenic organisms are significant for research and agricultural applications, offering the potential to address challenges like food security and disease resistance. The key element that defines a transgenic organism is the incorporation of foreign genetic material, leading to alterations in its biological functions.

In contrast, the other choices do not correctly capture the essence of what defines a transgenic organism. For instance, natural evolution (the first choice) implies no direct human intervention in altering the genetic composition of an organism. Claiming that an organism is resistant to all types of diseases (the third choice) is inaccurate, as transgenic organisms can be designed for specific traits and do not guarantee immunity to all diseases. Lastly, stating that an organism reproduces at an accelerated rate (the fourth choice) refers to the reproductive characteristics rather than genetic modification. Overall, the definition

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