Directed evolution

Directed evolution is when scientists use techniques from biology to change the way living things work. Usually, this is done by changing the genes or DNA of a living thing, like a plant or animal, to give it a new trait that it didn't have before. For example, the scientists might change the genes so the plant will be able to better resist a virus or the animal will be bigger or stronger. The process of making these changes is like playing a game. The scientists have to figure out what traits they want and then try to figure out which changes in the genes will give the living thing that new trait. They then test the changes to see if it worked and make changes until they get the result they want.