Genetic engineering involves modifying an organism's genome by adding a desirable gene.
Example: Transferring a gene from a plant with big fruit to another plant to produce the same trait.
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) result from this process.
Genes can be transferred across different species.
Applications of Genetic Engineering
Sheep Engineering: Produce substances, such as drugs, in milk for treating diseases.
Bacteria Engineering: Produce human hormones like insulin, used to treat diabetes.
Crop Engineering: Enhance fruit size and quality, and increase resistance to diseases, insects, and herbicides.
Gene Therapy: Aimed at treating inherited disorders by replacing faulty genes with healthy ones.
Challenge: Delivering the healthy gene to every cell.
Solution: Introduce gene at early development stages (egg or embryo).
Pros and Cons of Genetically Modified Crops
Pros
Cultivation of crops with desirable traits (e.g., increased fruit yield, disease resistance).
Cost-effective food production crucial for developing countries.
Introduction of special nutrients (e.g., beta-carotene in golden rice to prevent blindness).
Cons
Uncertainty about the long-term health effects of GM crops.
Risk of GM plants affecting ecosystems by out-competing wild plants.
Note: GM plants are tailored for farming conditions, not wild survival.
Genetic Transfer Process
Step 1: Identify and isolate the desired gene using enzymes.
Step 2: Insert the gene into a vector (virus or bacterial plasmid).
Step 3: Introduce the vector to the target organism (e.g., pig or plant).
Target cells uptake the vector and the inserted gene, leading to the production of the encoded protein.
Conclusion: This summary provides an overview of genetic engineering techniques, applications, and considerations. Ensure to explore further resources for more detailed understanding.