Which process involves the modification of an organism's genetic makeup?

The process that involves the modification of an organism's genetic makeup is gene editing. This technique allows scientists to make precise alterations to the DNA within an organism's genome. By using various tools, such as CRISPR-Cas9, researchers can add, remove, or alter specific sections of DNA, leading to changes in traits and characteristics. This ability to modify genetic material has significant implications in fields like medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology, as it enables the development of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) with desirable features or resistance to diseases.

In contrast, fermentation is a metabolic process that converts sugars into acids, gases, or alcohol, primarily used in food production and biofuel generation, not for modifying genetic material. Cellular respiration refers to the process through which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy, with byproducts like carbon dioxide and water, and is unrelated to genetic modification. Protein synthesis is the biological process whereby cells generate new proteins based on the genetic instructions carried by mRNA, again, without modifying the DNA itself.