genetic engineering

the artificial modification of an organism's genetic make-up. More specifically, for example, the insertion of GENES from a human cell into a bacterium where they perform their usual function. Thus it is possible to produce, on a commercial scale, hormones such as INSULIN and GROWTH HORMONE by utilizing a bacterium with a human gene. The organism often used is ESCHERICHIA coli. The process has other applications, including production of monoclonal antibodies.