Describe how DNA is modified for use in genetic engineering.

Genetic engineering can be described as a process in which the DNA of an organism is modified to change its characteristics or phenotype.

DNA modification occurs when a 'gene of interest' is taken from an organism and introduced into a vector such as a plasmid. Or this gene or piece of DNA might directly be incorporated into another organism. The gene of interest incorporated into the DNA of a host will be able to express itself.