Which of the following statements about recombinant DNA technology is true?

Recombinant DNA technology fundamentally involves manipulating DNA to introduce or transfer genetic material from one organism to another, which can include species transfer. This is achieved through processes that allow for the assembly of DNA segments that may vary in origin, enabling the incorporation of desired traits from one species into the genome of another. The focus on species transfer highlights the versatility of this technology in genetic engineering, where genes from different organisms can be combined to produce beneficial effects, such as increased resistance to diseases in crops or the production of therapeutic proteins.

In contrast, while other options mention aspects of recombinant DNA technology, they do not encapsulate its core processes. The use of naturally occurring DNA segments and the transfer of DNA from any species to any other species might not always be accurate due to limitations in compatibility and efficacy, and host cells are usually essential for the successful integration and expression of the recombinant DNA. Thus, the manipulation for species transfer is what establishes the correctness of the selected statement, emphasizing the innovative potential of recombinant DNA technology in biotechnology and medicine.