MODEL RELEASED. Genetically engineered tomato. Scientist injecting sweet corn with a syringe, representing food biotechnology. Genetic engineering of plants involves altering their DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) by adding genes from another organism. Traits such as resistance to diseases and pesticides can be introduced to the plant, which may save time and money during cultivation and harvesting. Tomatoes have been genetically engineered to be resistant to fungus, thereby prolonging their freshness during transportation.