Which biotechnology process is used to create organisms with desired traits through the manipulation of DNA?

The biotechnology process that involves creating organisms with desired traits through the manipulation of DNA is genetic engineering. This approach allows scientists to directly modify the genetic material of an organism by adding, removing, or altering specific genes. The goal is to express new traits or characteristics that can benefit various applications, such as agriculture, medicine, and industrial processes.

Genetic engineering encompasses various techniques, including recombinant DNA technology, CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, and insertion of foreign genes. Through these methods, researchers can enhance crop yields, improve nutritional content in food, develop resistance to pests and diseases, and create organisms that produce valuable pharmaceuticals.

Other processes mentioned, like cloning, gene therapy, and biopharming, serve different purposes. Cloning focuses on creating genetically identical copies of organisms or cells, gene therapy is aimed at treating diseases by correcting defective genes in individual patients, and biopharming refers to using plants or animals to produce pharmaceuticals. While all these methods have their unique applications, genetic engineering specifically targets the alteration of DNA to instill desired traits in organisms.