Selective breeding and genetic engineering are both methods used to alter an organism's genetics, but they are different processes:
Selective breeding:
Genetic engineering:
In summary, selective breeding is a more traditional method that takes advantage of existing genetic variation within a species, while genetic engineering involves direct manipulation of an organism's genome, allowing for more precise and potentially unnatural modifications.
The main differences between selective breeding and genetic engineering are as follows:
| Selective Breeding | Genetic Engineering |
|---|---|
| Involves mating individuals with desired traits to produce offspring with the desired traits. | Directly alters an organism's DNA to produce the desired traits more rapidly than selective breeding. |
| Relies on existing genetic variation within a species. | Introduction of genes from other species or even synthesized in the lab, broadening the possible traits that can be added to organisms. |
| Natural breeding takes place. | Artificial breeding takes place. |
| More unpredictable impact on a species' genetics. | More precise, as biologists can introduce a specific gene between two distantly-related species. |
| Limited to the traits present within the species or closely related species. | Not limited by existing genetic variation within a species, allowing for the introduction of novel traits. |
| Developed through human intervention over thousands of years, creating the majority of crop species. | A relatively newer technique, developed in the 20th century. |
Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.
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