Question

What discovery was made in the 1970s that advanced genetic engineering?

Answer 1

The discovery of restriction enzymes.

Explanation:

There could be many answers to your question, but I think the discovery of restriction enzymes was the major breakthrough. Restriction enzymes are proteins made by bacteria as a defense against viral invaders. They are designed to cut DNA at a precise nucleotide sequence. In the bacteria, they cut up viral DNA before it can start an infection. In a scientist's hands,. it was the first tool that allowed them to cut pieces of DNA out of the cells they were studying and then splice them together with other pieces of DNA.