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Understanding Genetic Engineering and GMOs

May 4, 2025

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