What distinguishes a transgenic organism?

A transgenic organism is distinguished by the presence of artificially inserted genes that have been introduced using various biotechnological methods. This process typically involves the transfer of genes from one species to another, which is facilitated through techniques such as recombinant DNA technology. As a result, transgenic organisms often exhibit new traits or abilities that were not present in their original genotype.

The artificial insertion of genes allows scientists to create organisms with specific characteristics, which can be beneficial for agricultural applications, medical research, and numerous biotechnological innovations. For instance, transgenic plants may be engineered to resist pests, tolerate herbicides, or improve nutritional value.

In contrast, options that mention natural evolutionary processes or the ability to thrive in extreme conditions do not adequately capture the essence of transgenic organisms. While some organisms may naturally have multiple chromosomes or adapt to extreme environments, these attributes are not defining features of transgenic organisms. The defining characteristic lies solely in their genetic modification through human intervention.