What technology combines the DNA of two organisms, resulting in a permanent alteration to the genetic code?

The correct answer showcases the process by which specific segments of DNA from one organism are inserted into the genetic material of another organism, resulting in a genetically modified entity. This technique, known as recombinant DNA technology, allows scientists to combine genetic material from different sources in a way that would not occur naturally.

This process facilitates the enhancement of desirable traits, such as increased resistance to pests or diseases in crops, and can lead to the production of medicines, such as insulin, that are more effectively produced via genetically modified bacteria. The key element is that the alteration is permanent and can be inherited by subsequent generations of the organism, distinguishing it from methods that may involve temporarily changing traits without altering the underlying genetic code itself.

In contrast, selective breeding involves mating organisms with desired traits but does not change the genetic material in the same direct manner. A transgenic organism, while a product of recombinant DNA technology, refers more specifically to the resulting organism itself rather than the technology used to create it. Lastly, sous vide is a cooking technique that is unrelated to genetics or DNA manipulation.