Biotechnology Aptitude & Competency Exam (BACE) Practice

The correct term for modifications of DNA within an organism is genetic engineering. This process involves the direct manipulation of an organism's genes using biotechnology. It allows scientists to add, remove, or alter genetic material at particular locations in the genome. This can be applied in a variety of ways, such as creating genetically modified organisms (GMOs), developing new medical treatments, or enhancing crop traits for agriculture.

Genetic engineering encompasses a wide range of modern biotechnological techniques, including CRISPR, recombinant DNA technology, and gene cloning, which are pivotal in the development of new therapies and improved agricultural practices. By directly altering DNA sequences, genetic engineering has the potential to address diseases, improve food production, and enhance our understanding of genetics.

In contrast, the other terms listed refer to different concepts within biotechnology. Gene therapy specifically involves the alteration of genes to treat or prevent disease in patients, while genomics deals with the comprehensive analysis of entire genomes, focusing more on the study of genes and their functions rather than the modification aspect. Gene expression, on the other hand, is a process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize functional gene products like proteins, which is separate from the actual modification of DNA itself.