What type of organisms does the term ‘transgenic’ refer to?

The term 'transgenic' specifically refers to organisms that have undergone genetic engineering to receive genes from other organisms, thus altering their genetic makeup. This process typically involves the insertion of a gene from one species into another, allowing for traits or characteristics not originally present in the recipient organism to be expressed.

This genetic modification can provide various benefits, such as increased resistance to pests in crops or the production of specific proteins in animals that can be used for medicinal purposes. The focus on the manipulation of genetic material highlights the engineered changes, making these organisms distinctly different from those that have not been modified and do not carry foreign genetic material.

This definition clearly distinguishes transgenic organisms from options like those that have no genetic modifications, which would remain in their original state, or species that are extinct, as transgenic organisms are specifically those that still exist and have been genetically altered. Similarly, natural hybrids formed in nature do not involve the specific genetic engineering processes associated with transgenics; they result from breeding between different species or varieties without human intervention.