What is the process of introducing relevant DNA into an existing organism to code for a specific purpose called?

The correct answer is genetic modification. This process involves altering the genetic makeup of an organism by introducing specific DNA sequences that can confer desired traits or characteristics. Genetic modification is a broad term that encompasses various techniques, including the use of recombinant DNA technology.

While recombinant DNA is a technique used within the process of genetic modification—where DNA from one organism is inserted into another—in the context of the question, genetic modification accurately describes the overall process of enhancing or altering an organism for a specific purpose. This could include developing crops that are resistant to pests, creating bacteria that can produce insulin, or even engineering animals with specific traits.

Recombinant DNA by itself refers to the actual methodology used to combine DNA from different sources but does not encompass the broader implications and applications involved in genetic modification. Other choices like DNA barcoding pertain to identifying species through DNA sequences, and cloning refers primarily to creating identical copies of organisms or cells rather than introducing new genetic material for a specific purpose.