So-called gene scissors can be used to modify certain traits of plants, for example. (1) The first step is to select a specific site in the genome that represents a particular trait. (2) The gene scissors can be programmed to search for and find the specific site in the genome. (3) Once the gene scissors have found the site, they can cut the genome creating a break. This break in the genome is then recognised and repaired by the cell. (4) After the repair, the respective site is altered, which is also the aim of using the gene scissors: the original trait is lost or altered.