What is the basic principle in genetic engineering?

The fundamental principle in genetic engineering revolves around moving genes into cells. This process involves manipulating an organism's genome by introducing new genes or modifying existing ones to achieve desired traits or functions. This can enhance or alter the characteristics of an organism, such as improving crop resistance, developing gene therapies, or producing proteins.

The significance of moving genes into cells lies in its ability to create genetically modified organisms (GMOs) that can express new traits. For instance, scientists can transfer a gene responsible for pest resistance from one organism into a plant, allowing that plant to withstand insect damage without the need for chemical pesticides.

Other options do not encapsulate the core mechanism of genetic engineering. For example, producing proteins without DNA suggests an approach that doesn't involve the foundational genetic material, which contradicts the essence of genetic engineering. Creating enzymes from amino acids focuses on protein synthesis rather than the genetic manipulation of organisms. Reversing genetic mutations would imply correcting changes that have already occurred in DNA, rather than the fundamental act of gene transfer that defines genetic engineering. Therefore, moving genes into cells is central to the practice and application of genetic engineering.