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genetic engineering
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Vaccine development
genetically modified humans
Dense rows of tall green corn plants in a genetically modified corn field, with tassels visible at the top against a pale sky. A pile of uncooked golden rice grains, which are bright yellow due to genetic modification to contain vitamin A. A step-by-step diagram shows donor DNA and vector DNA cut with restriction enzymes to create overhangs, mixed and sealed with ligase to form recombinant DNA, which is introduced into bacterial cells. The recombinant DNA replicates as the cells divide, producing clones.
Learn about genetic engineering and how it is applied to microbes to genetically modify them for use in medicines, food, and fuel
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genetic engineering: References & Edit History

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Article History

Type Description Contributor Date
Modified link of Web site: Biology LibreTexts - Genetic Engineering. Sep 15, 2026
Add new Web site: Biology LibreTexts - Selective Breeding and Genetic Engineering. Apr 02, 2026
Article revised and updated. Mar 24, 2026
Add new Web site: NC State Extension Publications - Let’s Talk About Genetic Engineering: A Guide to Understanding Genetic Engineering and its Applications in Food, Agriculture, and the Environment. Sep 27, 2025
Add new Web site: National Center for Biotechnology Information - PubMed Central - Historic Overview of Genetic Engineering Technologies for Human Gene Therapy. Jun 18, 2025
Add new Web site: UH Pressbooks - Concepts of Zoology – Hawaiʻi Edition - Cloning and Genetic Engineering. Apr 14, 2025
Added an image of scientists working in a laboratory that focuses on vaccine development. Feb 26, 2025
Add new Web site: UNESCO-EOLSS - Genetic Engineering of Plants (PDF). Feb 15, 2025
Add new Web site: University of Missouri - School of Medicine - Gene Therapy and Genetic Engineering. Sep 17, 2024
Add new Web site: OER at MSU Libraries - An Interactive Introduction to Organismal and Molecular Biology, 2nd ed. - Genetic Engineering. May 27, 2024
Add new Web site: BMC - Agriculture and Food Security - Genetic engineering for improving quality and productivity of crops. Apr 19, 2024
Added a cross-reference to golden rice. Nov 16, 2023
Added an image of golden rice grains. Nov 16, 2023
Add new Web site: Iowa State University Digital Press - Genetic Engineering. Aug 11, 2023
Video and links added. May 31, 2023
Add new Web site: University of Marland - Department of English - Interpolations - Genetic Engineering: A Serious Threat to Human Society. Mar 29, 2023
Add new Web site: Biology LibreTexts - Genetic Engineering. Dec 04, 2022
Add new Web site: National Center for Biotechnology Information - PubMed Central - Historic Overview of Genetic Engineering Technologies for Human Gene Therapy. Sep 06, 2022
Removed media. Dec 20, 2021
Added information on applications of and ethical issues concerning genetic engineering. Jul 30, 2021
Added a photo of genetically modified corn (maize). May 22, 2020
Add new Web site: Khan Academy - Introduction to genetic engineering. Dec 19, 2019
Add new Web site: LiveScience - What's Genetic Engineering? May 24, 2018
Article restructured. Mar 20, 2017
Media added. Feb 24, 2017
Media added. Mar 01, 2016
Added a photo of a genetically engineered salmon. Feb 03, 2016
Article revised and updated. Information on gene editing added. Feb 03, 2016
Add new Web site: Buzzle.com - Genetic Engineering. Apr 11, 2013
Add new Web site: New Georgia Encyclopedia - Science and Medicine - Genetic Engineering. Jun 15, 2011
Added URL to topic: Desert USA - Velvet Ants. Sep 02, 2009
Added URL to topic: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension - Velvet Ant. Sep 02, 2009
Added new Web site: How Stuff Works - Science - Genetic Engineering. Feb 09, 2009
Article revised. May 04, 1999
Article added to new online database. Jul 20, 1998
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