# genetic engineering > direct manipulation of an organism's genome using biotechnology **Wikidata**: [Q159236](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q159236) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetic_engineering) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/genetic-engineering ## Summary Genetic engineering is the direct manipulation of an organism's genome using biotechnology. It is considered a subclass of both engineering and bioengineering and is a distinct part of the broader field of biotechnology. This discipline is also frequently referred to as genetic modification or genetic manipulation. ## Key Facts * **Definition:** Genetic engineering is defined as the direct manipulation of an organism's genome using biotechnology. * **Classification:** The field is a subclass of engineering and bioengineering, and constitutes a part of the broader discipline of biotechnology. * **Synonyms:** Common aliases include genetic modification, genetic manipulation, recombinant DNA technology, and gene editing. * **Identifiers:** The Library of Congress Authority ID is `sh85053855`, and the MeSH Descriptor ID is `D005818`. * **Dewey Decimal Classifications:** The topic is classified under several Dewey numbers, including `572.8028` (biological engineering), `631.5233` (plant genetics), and `174.2` (ethics). * **Wikipedia Presence:** The topic has a sitelink count of 97 across various language editions and is listed on the Wikimedia project's "Vital articles" list at Level 4. * **Related Terminology:** The term is said to be the same as "gene editing." ## FAQs **What are the alternative names for genetic engineering?** The field is known by many names across different languages and contexts, including genetic modification, genetic manipulation, recombinant DNA technology, and biogenetics. In Spanish, it is referred to as *Ingeniería génica* or *Modificacion genetica*, and in German as *Gentechnologie* or *Genmanipulation*. **How is genetic engineering classified in library and academic systems?** It is indexed under the Dewey Decimal system in multiple categories, such as `201.666065`, `572.8028`, and `631.5233`. The MeSH Tree Code is `E05.393.420`, classified as a genetic technique. It also holds the GND ID `4071722-7` and the YSO ID `17994`. **What is the relationship between genetic engineering and other fields?** Genetic engineering is a part of biotechnology and is considered a subclass of both engineering and bioengineering. It is closely related to gene editing, with sources indicating the terms are often used interchangeably. ## Why It Matters Genetic engineering is a vital component of modern science, serving as a core pillar of the biotechnology industry. Its classification as a "Vital Article" on Wikipedia highlights its fundamental importance to human knowledge and global discourse. The field's presence across diverse academic and cultural encyclopedias—from the Encyclopædia Britannica and Encyclopaedia Universalis to the Encyclopedia of Modern Ukraine and the Encyclopedia of Korean Culture—demonstrates its worldwide scientific and cultural significance. Furthermore, its classification under ethical Dewey Decimal codes (e.g., `174.2`) and its coverage in policy observatories underscore its relevance in bioethics and regulatory discussions. ## Notable For * Being a direct method for manipulating an organism's genome. * Its classification as a subclass of both engineering and bioengineering. * Possessing a "Vital Article" status (Level 4) on Wikipedia. * Having a vast multilingual presence, with aliases in over 20 languages including Japanese, Russian, Arabic, and Korean. * Being indexed in major medical and scientific databases such as MeSH (`D005818`), UMLS (`C0017387`), and the Library of Congress. * Being a primary subject in the "History of genetic engineering." ## Body ### Definition and Classification Genetic engineering is defined as the direct manipulation of an organism's genome using biotechnology. It is recognized as a specific discipline within the broader category of biotechnology. Hierarchically, it is classified as a subclass of engineering and bioengineering. The concept is closely aligned with "gene editing," which is listed as being the same as genetic engineering. ### Terminology and Multilingual Aliases The entity is known by a wide variety of aliases in English, including "genetic modification," "genetic manipulation," "recombinant DNA technology," and "biogenetics." The multilingual coverage is extensive, reflecting its global relevance: * **Spanish:** *Ingeniería génica*, *Modificacion genetica*, *Tecnología del ADN recombinante*. * **German:** *Gentechnologie*, *Genmanipulation*, *Rekombinante DNA-Technologie*. * **French:** *ingénierie génétique*, *manipulation génétique*. * **Japanese:** *遺伝子工学* (Genetic engineering), *遺伝子組み換え* (Recombinant DNA). * **Russian:** *генная инженерия*. * **Chinese:** *基因工程* (Genetic engineering), *遗传工程* (Genetic engineering/Heredity engineering). * **Arabic:** *الهندسة الجينية*. * **Korean:** *유전 공학*. ### Academic and Library Classifications Genetic engineering is extensively cataloged in library science and academic databases. * **Dewey Decimal Classification:** The subject is classified under multiple numbers, including `201.666065`, `572.8028` (biological engineering), `174.2` (ethics), `631.5233` (plant breeding/genetics), `636.0821` (animal breeding), and legal classifications `344.04196` and `344.0957`. * **MeSH (Medical Subject Headings):** The descriptor ID is `D005818` with the tree code `E05.393.420`, designated as a "genetic technique." * **Library of Congress:** The authority ID is `sh85053855`. * **Other Systems:** It holds the GND ID `4071722-7`, the YSO ID `17994`, the Eurovoc ID `4111`, and the NALT ID `17343`. ### Digital and Media Presence The topic maintains a significant footprint across digital platforms and media. * **Wikimedia:** The Wikipedia title is "Genetic engineering" with a sitelink count of 97 languages. It is categorized under "Category:Genetic engineering" on Commons and includes an image of GFP Mice. It is listed as a "Vital Article" (Level 4) as of October 31, 2022. * **Databases:** It has identifiers in JSTOR (archived), the New York Times Topic ID (`subject/genetic-engineering`), BBC News Topic ID, and Quora Topic (`Genetic-Engineering`). * **Encyclopedias:** Entries exist in Encyclopædia Britannica Online (`science/genetic-engineering`), Encyclopaedia Universalis, the Encyclopedia of Modern Ukraine, the Encyclopedia of Korean Culture, and the Great Russian Encyclopedia Online (ID `2350458`). ### Historical and Ethical Context The history of the topic is documented under "history of genetic engineering." The field is described by sources such as "Lean Logic" (glossary: genetic modification) and the "Pharmaceutical Encyclopedia" of Ukraine. Its inclusion in the Dewey Decimal classification `174.2` highlights its intersection with ethics. It is also indexed in the Analysis & Policy Observatory (Term ID `57201`) and the UK Parliament Thesaurus (ID `91415`), indicating its relevance in legislative and policy contexts. ## References 1. Nuovo soggettario 2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 3. Integrated Authority File 4. BBC Things 5. YSO-Wikidata mapping project 6. UMLS 2023 7. Quora 8. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/Genetic_engineering-XG8Z) 9. National Library of Israel 10. KBpedia 11. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)