IGCSE Biology glossary
Genetic modification
Biology editorial review is supported by the named review panel. Reviewer participation may vary by guide. Checked against Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 (2026–2028); last reviewed August 2026.
Definition
The process of altering the genetic material of an organism by inserting a gene from a different organism, often from a different species, to give the organism a desired characteristic. Also called genetic engineering. Examples include producing insulin in bacteria and making crops resistant to herbicides or pests.
What to include in an exam answer
Know the steps: identify and cut the desired gene from the donor using restriction enzymes, insert the gene into a vector (usually a plasmid), introduce the vector into the host organism, and select organisms that have taken up the gene.
Example in context
Describe how bacteria are genetically modified to produce human insulin (4 marks): The human insulin gene is identified and cut from human DNA using a restriction enzyme. A bacterial plasmid is cut open with the same restriction enzyme. The insulin gene is inserted into the plasmid using ligase. The plasmid is returned to a bacterium, which then expresses the insulin gene and produces human insulin.
Related syllabus topic
Biotechnology & genetic modification