What is gene editing?

Gene editing refers to the precise alteration of genes within an organism's DNA to achieve specific, desired traits. This technique involves advanced technologies, such as CRISPR-Cas9, which allow scientists to make targeted modifications to the genetic material at specific locations. By precisely cutting DNA and inserting or changing sequences, gene editing can lead to beneficial outcomes such as improved disease resistance, enhanced yield in crops, or potential therapies for genetic disorders in humans.

The power of gene editing lies in its specificity and efficiency compared to older methods of genetic modification, which often involved introducing random changes with unpredictable outcomes. Through gene editing, researchers can not only understand the function of specific genes but also turn them on or off or correct mutations that lead to disease, thereby directly impacting the traits of an organism in a controlled manner.

In contrast to this correct definition, the other choices address different concepts unrelated to gene editing. For instance, altering the environment refers to ecological impacts rather than genetic changes. Changing behavior through training is related to behavioral sciences rather than genetic manipulation. Restoring old genetic traits in crops might hint at breeding practices but does not encompass the cutting-edge techniques involved in gene editing. Thus, the focus on the alteration of genes within an organism’s DNA establishes why this answer