Transgenic

adjective; also noun

/trænzˈdʒɛn.ɪk/

Describing an organism whose genome has been altered by the introduction of one or more genes from a different species using genetic engineering techniques.

✍️ Usage in a UPSC answer

The Centre's cautious approach to transgenic crops such as Bt brinjal reflects an attempt to reconcile the imperatives of food security and agricultural productivity with legitimate anxieties over biosafety, biodiversity and farmers' seed sovereignty.

Synonyms

genetically modifiedgenetically engineeredtransgene-bearingrecombinantbioengineered

Antonyms

non-transgenicnaturalwild-typeunmodified

🌱 Word Family

transgenics (n), transgenically (adv), transgene (n), transgenesis (n), non-transgenic (adj)

🔡 Root

Latin trans- = across; Greek genos = race, kind; -ic = adjectival suffix; coined 1980s for foreign-gene organisms

📜 Etymology

From Latin trans- ("across") + Greek genos ("race, kind") + -ic; coined in the 1980s to describe organisms carrying foreign genetic material.

🧠 Memory Hook

Break it as TRANS (across) + GENIC (genes): a gene moved ACROSS the species barrier, like Bt-cotton carrying a bacterial gene transplanted into the plant.

🔬 Science & Technology 📖 Seen in: Biotechnology — GM Crops, CRISPR, Regu...

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