Genetic Engineering The cell is the basic structure of every human being and performs different functions depending on its specialization in the body. Through alteration, it is possible to completely change these functions in the body and express other characteristics. These are all encompassed in the genetic manipulation or engineering. Every organism (both plants and animals) can be manipulated by changing the genetic structure in the DNA. This will lead to formation of a transgenic organism whose genes have been altered hence it will be different from the rest of the organisms. These organisms will end up with several traits or characteristics that are different from their family. There are also several other combinations that have been developed involving humans and animals. For example, organs from the pig can be transferred to human beings. It has been established that the pig is quite closely related to the human beings in relation to several aspects such as physiology and anatomy of the organs. Most of its organs have the same size as those of humans and this is the basis of xenotransplantation. For example, there have been cases of shortages of organs such as kidneys and hearts. (Baxamusa, para 5). The advancement of technology has been a breakthrough in the history of mankind. Many scientists have developed various useful techniques in many areas of research. Genetic engineering is one of the many areas that have been applied both in plants and animal engineering. The DNA is the basic structure or blueprint in every organism or individual. This
Moore 2 laboratory procedure or technique is complex and has been widely used by researchers to alter this basis structure (DNA) of organisms. The DNA is the point where all information of an organism is stored. These are information which determines how the body works or functions. There are a variety of processes in the body of every organism which all rely on the DNA. For example, growth and biochemical processes are controlled by the DNA. The DNA has special segments which perform particular function in the organism’s body. These are known as genes (Baxamusa, para 8).
In all organisms, there are usually structural changes in the DNA. Research has shown that these structural changes are mainly due to certain enzymes in the body of these organisms. There are enzymes which separate the DNA strands and other functions to join them. This is the basis of Genetic engineering since scientists have used these enzymes to separate certain genes and later bring them together in a way that they want. Another important aspect is insertion of genes in the DNA strands. This is the knowledge of vectors (DNA strands) found in viruses and is capable of infecting cells by inserting between the DNA of the cells. This vast knowledge was the driving force for researchers to begin building vectors. These vectors inserted the genes that the researcher chooses into DNA strands of an organism. Using this technology, several features of a person can be altered such as; tone of the skin, color of the eyes, IQ, weight, disorders, diseases and height (Baxamusa para 5). Genetic engineering is done in several steps which are complex and carefully monitored. First, the gene which is responsible for the desired qualities has to be isolated. This is followed by transfer and insertion of the vector into the recipient organism. A transformation of the cells
of that organism will occur. The final stage will involve selecting the modified cells from the once which did not change (Courtois, p. 65). Genetic engineering has been applied in different areas in both plant and animal technology. For example, production of synthetic insulin, drugs and certain vaccines in humans. This technology might provide the solution to most of the serious deadly diseases that have for a long time in human beings such as HIV/AIDS, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. This also applies to other areas such as viral
History and Ethics of Genetic Engineering By: The Late Dr. T.D. Singh on March 21, 2009, 7:40 a.m. Click to see larger image In 1966, B. Weiss and C.C. Richardson isolated DNA ligase, an enzyme that could be used to “ligate” or paste together two strands of DNA. Thus, researchers could now attach two or more DNA molecules or break it into fragments. In 1972, Paul Berg used restriction enzyme to cut DNA, and then a ligase to paste two DNA strands together to form a hybrid circular molecule…
genetic research Kayla Tymous Mr. Higashi Biology /1st period 1 March 2012 Research: Genetic Engineering What is Genetic Engineering? Genetic engineering is the scientific alteration of the structure of genetic material in a living organism. It involves the production and use of recombinant DNA and has been employed to create bacteria that synthesize insulin and other human proteins. Why is it used? Genes influence health and disease, as well as human traits and behavior. Researchers…
to establish a method for perfecting human. Genetic engineering is a deliberate, controlled manipulation of the genes making changes in the genome, removing flaws from babies before they’re even born providing a longer and healthier life. But for other it’s a method of circumventing what nature gave you. This modification could take place in gamete and would be inheritable or in somatic cell. In many countries it is currently illegal. Genetic engineering has the power to shape the future of the human…
What Is Genetic Engineering? Genetic engineering refers to a set of technologies that are being used to change the genetic makeup of cells and move genes across species boundaries to produce novel organisms. The techniques involve highly sophisticated manipulations of genetic material and other biologically important chemicals. Genes are the chemical blueprints that determine an organism's traits. Moving genes from one organism to another transfers those traits. Through genetic engineering, organisms…
climates geneticists can alter the nutritional value and growth of the organism.By genetically engineering food sources you are able to provide more food for the growing population due to less genetic deficientcies. The ability to make more nutritional food enables humans to grow stronger and healthier because they would no longer be consuming unhealthy food. Also gene therapy can be used to prevent future genetic disorders developing in reproductive cells. With the advantage of gene therapy, geneticists…
Chase Stueber Professor Black Ethics Genetic Engineering Evolution is defined by Merriam Webster to be the process of continues change from a lower, simpler, or worse to a higher, more complex, or better state. In other words to change to state of something to an improved state, when talking about organisms this involves the mutation of genes through natural selection in order to adapt to a more efficient and beneficial form. An excellent example of adapting to better them is found in Darwin’s…
Genetic Engineering: An In-depth Dissolution Genetic engineering, also referred to as genetic manipulation, is the process of modifying an organism’s DNA structure and/or sequence using biotechnology. Genetic material is altered using restriction enzymes and gel electrophoresis. These two methods are described by the removal, or splicing, of a specified part of the genetic code, and then introducing the altered code to a new DNA which may be from natural sources, or formulated in an artificial…
Fox Period 8 Ms. Freed April 16, 2013 Genetic Engineering Genetic engineering is the changing of the characteristics of an organism by manipulating its genetic material to get more desirable traits in them (Genetic Engineering). Genetic engineering has both positive and negative effects, but the good effects weight out the bad. Genetic engineering is very important in the book Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton. If it weren’t for genetic engineering, they wouldn’t be able to resurrect extinct…
Design-a-Baby When looking in the mirror everyone critics themselves to find perfection. But where is the point when it goes too far to meet the high standards. Since the twentieth century parents have gone to the extremes to create a genetic engineered child to meet the idealistic perfection of the society. Beauty pageants became part of the American society in the 1920's. Then child beauty pageants began in the 1960's. (Nussbaum). In child pageants they have such high modeling standards at such…
Genetic Engineering Luke Tourtellotte Genetic Engineering is something only the most intelligent men and women in the world work on. Genetic Engineering is taking who and what you are and changing it. It is almost the most dangerous thing to a human, if done wrong your life can never be the same…