In the context of genetic engineering, what does the term "mutant" refer to?

The term "mutant" in the context of genetic engineering specifically refers to an organism that has experienced intentional alterations to its genome through techniques such as gene editing, transgenesis, or selective breeding processes that introduce specific changes. This is significant because genetic engineering aims to modify an organism's DNA to study specific traits, improve health, enhance crop resistance, or create model organisms for research.

The focus on an artificially altered genome underlines the concept that these mutations are not purely natural variations but are induced by scientific intervention. Understanding this distinction is crucial for those involved in laboratory animal research, as it allows them to recognize the implications of genetic modifications in scientific studies and on the characteristics of the organisms being utilized.