What genetic modification isSpec 21.3.1, 21.3.2
In short
Genetic modification is changing the genetic material of an organism by removing, changing or inserting individual genes. The result is a genetically modified organism, often with a gene from another species. Examples include bacteria that make human insulin, herbicide-resistant and insect-resistant crops, and golden rice, which contains a vitamin A precursor to improve its nutritional quality.
Genetic modification is changing the genetic material of an organism by removing, changing or inserting individual genes. An organism that has had its genes altered in this way is called a genetically modified organism (GMO). The inserted gene is often taken from another species.
| Example | What is done | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Human protein from bacteria | Human genes are inserted into bacteria | Bacteria make human proteins, such as insulin |
| Herbicide resistance | Genes are inserted into crop plants | The crop is not killed by a herbicide, so the field can be sprayed to kill weeds without harming the crop |
| Insect resistance | Genes are inserted into crop plants | Crop is resistant to insect pests, so less insecticide is needed and yield is higher |
| Improved nutritional quality | Genes are inserted into crop plants | Crop contains more of a nutrient; for example, rice modified to contain a vitamin A precursor (golden rice) |
Use the word 'gene' in the definition: genetic modification changes an organism by removing, changing or inserting individual genes, not 'changing the whole organism'.
Written and checked against the Cambridge IGCSE Biology (0610) specification · Updated October 2026