This lesson is a general description of the overall process of genetic engineering. A basic explanation of the five steps for genetically engineering a crop is provided. Details for each step are given in later lessons of this course. The five steps are:

1. Locating an organism with a specific trait and extracting its DNA.
2. Cloning a gene that controls the trait.
3. Designing a gene to express in a specific way.
4. Transformation, inserting the gene into the cells of a crop plant.
5. Plant breeding to get the transgene into an elite background.

At the completion of this lesson, you should be able to:

• Define genetic engineering.
• List and briefly explain the five basic steps in genetic engineering. Describe why each is necessary.
• Identify the fundamental differences between genetically engineered crops and non-genetically engineered crops.
• Explain the limitations to traditional breeding that are overcome by genetic engineering.
• Identify the approximate length of time required to obtain a marketable transgenic crop line (complete the entire crop genetic engineering process).