What is the name of the process that uses biochemical techniques to alter the genetic makeup of plants?

The process that employs biochemical techniques to modify the genetic composition of plants is known as biotechnology. This field encompasses a wide range of applications, including genetic engineering, where specific genes can be added, removed, or modified to produce desired traits in plants, such as increased resistance to pests or improved nutritional content. Biotechnology is crucial in developing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and contributes significantly to agricultural advancements.

While biogenetics might seem relevant, it is generally not used as a formal term in the scientific community and often refers informally to the genetic alterations made through various genetic manipulation techniques. Biophysiology focuses on the biological and physiological processes of living organisms, which does not specifically encompass the genetic modification techniques. Biophysics, on the other hand, applies the principles of physics to biological systems and does not primarily deal with genetic alteration. Thus, biotechnology is the most accurate and encompassing term for the process described.