How is genetic modification defined?

Genetic modification is defined as the alteration of genetic material to produce desired traits. This process involves directly manipulating an organism's DNA using various techniques such as recombinant DNA technology, gene cloning, or CRISPR. Through these methods, scientists can introduce new traits or enhance existing ones, leading to the development of crops with improved resistance to pests, enhanced nutritional content, or increased tolerance to environmental stresses.

This definition emphasizes the intentional and precise nature of genetic modification as opposed to more general methods of selection or breeding. Unlike selective breeding, which relies on natural reproduction and gene combinations over generations, genetic modification allows for the introduction of specific genes or traits from different species that would not be possible through traditional breeding. Understanding this distinction is crucial for recognizing the transformative potential of genetic engineering in agriculture and its implications for food production, sustainability, and biodiversity.