In this article we are going to learn about the Genetic Engineering or Genetic Manipulation. Here I have
covered totally basic to advance, How Genes are manipulate from one specie to another? How it is
evaluate?, What is the progress and process of Genetic Engineering according to the present era?, And a
detailed review of the Past.
Prerequisites
Genetic word arises from Greek word “Genetikos”. Genetikos means origin or beginning of a
process. The word Genetic invent by William Bateson.
What is Genetic? Genetics is the study of heredity. It is also deal with the genes and the elements coordinate with the genes.
What is Genes? Basically Gene is the functional and physical unit of Genetics (heredity). It is prepared
by DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid).
What is DNA? It is the molecule that contain the biological instructions, make each of one unique and
special.
History
Genetic engineering is like the superhero of science, where scientists like Herbert Boyer and Stanley
Cohen started a journey in 1973.
In 1974, saw the first genetically modified animal, followed by genetically modified bacteria in 1976.
Then, in 1983, scientists created a plant with an antibiotic resistant gene. Soon, virus resistant tobacco
and the Flavr Savr tomato joined the squad in 1992 and 1994. By 2010, 29 countries joined the genetic
revolution, planting biotech crops. The year 2000 introduced golden rice, a food fighting malnutrition, a
real game changer.
So, genetic engineering is like a blockbuster movie where scientists, our gene superheroes, turn the
ordinary into something extraordinary. They’re making our world a bit more super, one gene at a time.
What is Genetic Engineering?
Let’s Jump into the world of Genetic Engineering , a blend of Engineering and Biology that unlocks the
secrets of genes. In simple terms, it’s a process where scientists, making organisms a bit more special. All
this happens in labs, using different technologies and instruments.
Genetic Engineering is like giving a little upgrade to how living things naturally work. Scientists done with
their tools and tech instrument, make genes a bit extraordinary.
Evaluation of Genetic Engineering
Genetic Engineering contributing to its significance:
- Treatment: Genetic Engineering serves as a ground breaking approach to disease treatment. It
presents the potential to address illnesses even within the mother’s womb, offering a unique
opportunity to reduce the prevalence of disabilities. - Agriculture: The impact extends to agriculture, playing a vital role in enhancing productivity. It acts as
a defence mechanism against insects and pests while facilitating the early detection of diseases.
Moreover, it contributes to environmental resilience, resisting stressors and potentially boosting
nutrient content in crops. - Ethical Consideration: Genetic Engineering introduces the possibility of altering disabilities and
natural traits, raising ethical considerations. It prompts thoughtful reflection on the responsible use of
this technology. - Social Acceptance: Genetic Engineering brings forth societal concerns related to safety and ethical
considerations. A balanced approach ensures that technological advancements align with public values.
Process of Genetic Modification
Genetic Engineering empowers the modification of animals and plant genomes, employing techniques
to insert, delete, and modify DNA at various stages. Developers follow a multi-step process to create
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).
Gene Selection: Developers carefully choose a suitable gene, also known as a host gene, determining
whether to insert, modify, or delete. Ensuring the safety of the host gene from diseases and
vulnerabilities is crucial.
Animal Manipulation: For animals, the focus is on embryonic cells pluripotent stem cells found in the
inner mass of the human blastocyst (one week after fertilization).
Plant Manipulation: In plants, genes can be manipulated in any cell of the body or tissues, eventually
being cultured into a fully developed organism.
The earlier method involved inserting genes into the genome, relying on tools like Meganucleases and
Zinc Finger Nucleases.
Meganucleases: Discovered in the 1990s, these tools recognize DNA, facilitating gene insertion.Zinc Finger Nucleases (ZFNs): Abundant proteins functioning in DNA cleavage and RNA packaging.
Since 2009, the modification process has evolved, adopting a more advanced system.
Explore the intricate world of Genetic Modification, where each step contributes to creating organisms
with enhanced traits.
Answering your FAQS:
- Why it’s not common? Because it’s costly, and developing countries may struggle to afford
it. - What’s the aim? To boost normal abilities and decreases the and decrease the disability ratio.
- Advantage? Improved plant nutrition, diseases recognition, and lower disability ratios.
- Disadvantage? Limited information from genetic testing and uncertainties about symptoms.
Explore the Genetic Engineering, where the ordinary becomes extra ordinary, making our world a bit
more super.
