What does the term "transgenic organism" refer to?

The term "transgenic organism" specifically refers to an organism that has been genetically modified to contain a gene from another species. This process involves the transfer of genetic material across species boundaries, which allows the recipient organism to express traits that are typically found in the donor organism.

Transgenic organisms are an important part of biotechnology and are commonly used in agriculture, medicine, and research. For example, crops may be engineered to be resistant to pests or to enhance nutritional value by incorporating genes that confer these traits from other species. The creation of transgenic organisms involves sophisticated techniques such as recombinant DNA technology, which has broad applications in various fields, including pharmaceuticals and environmental science.

Other options do not align with the definition of a transgenic organism. An organism that has not undergone genetic modifications would not be considered transgenic at all. Cloning refers to creating a genetically identical copy of an organism and does not involve the introduction of foreign genes. Lastly, organs bred in captivity may simply be domesticated forms of wild species and do not necessarily involve genetic modification, making them separate from the definition of transgenic. Thus, the correct understanding of a transgenic organism emphasizes the introduction of foreign genetic material from another species.