Transgenesis is the process of transferring genes from one organism into the genome of another.

This technology is used in plant breeding to introduce new desirable traits, such as pest resistance or herbicide tolerance, by inserting a gene from another plant species or micro-organism into the genome of the plant of interest, resulting in a variety with new characteristics.

The resulting transgenic plants undergo rigorous studies to assess their efficacy, safety and environmental impact before they are used in agriculture.

Gene editing (also called genetic or genome edition) is a group of technologies that give scientists the ability to change an organism’s DNA sequence. These technologies make it possible to add, remove or alter genetic material at certain sites in the genome.

Several genome edition approaches have been developed, including the technique known as CRISPR-Cas9 (short for “clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats associated with protein 9”). In nature, the CRISPR-Cas9 complex is used by bacteria to defend themselves against viruses. In the laboratory, the same complex is used as a tool to make  precise changes in an organism’s DNA. A short RNA, called guide RNA, is the hand that positions the complex at a precise position in the genome. Then, the protein called Cas9 acts like molecular “scissors” that cut the DNA at that specific location. The DNA undergoes a repairing process where genetic changes can be introduced.

With editing technologies, scientists can precisely modify a genome without producing multiple random mutations or introducing genes from other organisms. This approach is interesting for breeders because it facilitates the development of plants with improved characteristics and is more efficient than other genetic modification methods.