Genetic Engineering

Overview

• Also known as genetic modification
• Direct manipulation of genes in an organism
• Transfer of relevant gene from one organism to another
• Recipient organism known as a transgenic organism

How Genetic Engineering Works

• Replaces faulty/missing genes causing disorders
• Ensures correct protein synthesis
• Steps:
  • Identify and extract the relevant gene from a healthy cell
  • Insert the isolated gene into a defective cell using vectors (viruses/bacteria)
  • Integrate into the organism's genome
  • Express desired trait in the phenotype
• Results in recombinant DNA formation

Key Terms

• Vector: An organism that transfers something
• Recombinant DNA: New DNA formed during genetic engineering
• Gene Therapy: Integration of genes in cells with faulty/missing genes

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

• Result from genetic engineering
• Used in various activities to improve life quality/productivity
• Include microbes, plants, animals

Importance of GMOs and Genetic Engineering

• Synthesis of medical drugs
• Cloning
• New crop production
• Stem cell research

Genetic Engineering in Medicine

• Production of Insulin:
  • Use of recombinant DNA technology
  • E. coli bacteria used to produce insulin
  • Involves insertion of human gene into bacterial plasmid
  • Insulin extracted and purified for diabetes treatment
• Production of Vaccines:
  • Genetically modified plants/bacteria produce antigens
  • Antigens trigger immune response, producing antibodies

Genetic Engineering in Agriculture

• Selective Cultivation/Breeding: Natural form of genetic modification
• Artificial Selection: Controls reproduction for desired traits
• Genetic Engineering: Transfers genes between species
• Hybrid Vigour: Cross-breeding for best qualities

Production of Genetically Modified Crops

• Identifying and isolating genes for desirable traits
• Methods of Gene Transfer:
  • Gene Gun:
    • Shoots DNA-coated metal pellets into plant cells
    • Results in clones with desired traits
  • Agrobacterium tumefaciens:
    • Bacterium transfers recombinant plasmids to plant tissue
    • Results in genetically identical plants with desired traits

Polyploidy

• More than two sets of chromosomes in a cell
• Impact on plant genetics

Advantages of Polyploidy

• Larger flowers, fruits, storage organs, seeds
• Seedless fruits like bananas

Advantages of GMOs

• Larger yields, stronger crops
• Cheaper, resistant to pests/insects
• Healthier and environmentally friendly
• Improved crops in unfavorable conditions
• Use in medicine ethically acceptable

Disadvantages of GMOs

• Potential allergies in humans
• Decrease in biodiversity
• Uncontrolled/unpredictable effects of new genes
• High cost of modified seeds and biotechnology

Ethical Issues

• Opposition to gene mixing
• Concerns over human rights to alter natural order