Ja'afar Umar
The term ‘genetic engineering’ stands for human alteration of the genetic code of an organism, so that its biosynthetic properties are changed. Genetic Engineering can be manipulation of genetic material by either molecular biological techniques or by selective breeding. While selective breeding has been practiced for thousands of years. The major applications are for the industrial production of desired peptides or proteins, or to alter the biological capabilites of the organism. These techniques have been used to develop crops with agronomically useful changes, such as pest resistance and ripening properties that allow for shipment. Humans have been changing the genetics of other species for thousands of years. The process of genetic engineering includes: Artificial selection of plants and animals, natural processes also at work (Mutation, crossing over). An organism that is generated through genetic engineering is considered to be genetically modified (GM) and the resulting entity is a genetically modified organism (GMO).