What is a transgene?

A transgene refers to a gene that has been transferred from one organism to another, typically across species boundaries. This process is a fundamental principle in agricultural biotechnology, allowing for the introduction of specific traits into crops that may not possess those traits naturally. For instance, scientists can transfer a gene conferring pest resistance from a bacterium into a plant, enhancing its ability to thrive in agricultural settings.

Transgenes are integral to genetic engineering and play a crucial role in developing genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This technology allows for increased crop efficiency, resistance to diseases, and improved nutrition, among other benefits.

In this context, the other options do not accurately define a transgene. A gene from a plant that is used in animals does not encompass the broader definition of gene transfer across species. A gene that is inactive does not hold relevance in the context of transgenes, as transgenes are typically functional genes intended to express specific traits. Finally, a gene that exists only in nature does not capture the essence of a transgene, which specifically involves genes that have been manipulated or transferred through biotechnological methods. Thus, the definition of a transgene as a gene transferred between species reinforces its role in agricultural biotechnology.