What process involves cutting the DNA of an organism and inserting a gene from another organism?

Study for the University of Central Florida (UCF) Biology Exit Exam. Use flashcards and tackle multiple-choice questions with detailed hints and explanations. Prepare to excel in your exam!

Gene splicing is a process that involves cutting the DNA of an organism and inserting a gene from another organism. This technique typically employs restriction enzymes, which act as molecular scissors to cleave DNA at specific sequences. Once the DNA is cut, scientists can insert a gene of interest, often using a vector such as a plasmid, allowing for the combination of genetic material from different sources.

This approach is fundamental in genetic engineering, as it enables the creation of recombinant DNA. By facilitating the addition of new traits or functions to an organism, gene splicing plays a critical role in many applications, including the development of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and advancements in biotechnology.

Other processes like gene cloning involve creating copies of a specific gene or fragment of DNA, while gene editing refers to making precise modifications to the genome, and gene transformation pertains to the introduction of foreign DNA into a cell. However, none of these terms specifically describe the procedure of cutting DNA and inserting a gene from a different organism in the way that gene splicing does. Thus, gene splicing accurately reflects the defined process in the question.

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