Genetic
engineering
|
In this article ·
Introduction
of genetics. ·
Objectives of
genetic engineering. ·
Achievements
of genetic engineering. ·
Basic steps
of genetic engineering. ·
Related
posts. |
Genetic
engineering or recombinant DNA technology involves the artificial synthesis,
modification, removal, addition and repair of genetic materials (DNA).
GENETIC ENGINEERING developed in the mid-1970s
when it become possible to cut DNA from the one type of organism into another’s
a result, the microorganisms such as
bacterium ,the transferred DNA is multiplied many times as the microorganism
multiplies .
Consequently,
it is possible to obtain millions of copies of a specific DNA inside a
bacterial cell.
OBJECTIVES OF
GENETIC ENGINEERING
·
Isolation of a
particular gene or part of gene for various purposes such as gene therapy.
·
Production of
particular RNA and protein molecules.
·
Improvement in
production of enzymes, drugs and commercially important organic materials.
·
Production of
varieties of plants having particular desirable characteristics.
·
Treatment of
genetic defects in higher organisms.
BESIC STEPS IN GENETIC ENGINEERING
·
Isolation of
gene of interest: in the first step, the genetic engineer identifies
the gene of interest in the donor organism. Special enzymes, called restriction
end nuclease, are used to cut the identified gene from the total DNA of the
donor organism.
·
Insertion of
gene into the vector: a victor is selected for the transfer of the isolated
gene to the host organism.
The vector may
be plasmid (the extra – chromosomal DNA present in many bacteria).or a
becteriophage. The gene of interest is attached with the vector DNA by using
the end nuclease.
(Breaking
enzyme) and ligase (joining enzyme) .the victor DNA and the attached gene of
interest are collectively called recombinant DNA.
·
Transfer of
recombinant DNA into the host organism: recombinant
DNA is transferred to the target host. In this way, host organism is
transformed into a genetically modified organism (GMO).
·
Growth of GMO: the GMO are
provided suitable culture medium for growth to give as much copies of the gene
of interest as needed.
·
Expression of
the gene: the GMO contains the gene of interest and
manufacture the desired product, which is isolated from the culture medium.
ACHEIVEMENTS OF GENETIC ENGINEERING
·
HUMAN insulin gene was transferred into bacteria. The
genetically modified bacteria because able to synthesize insulin. Diabetics are
now receiving the insulin. The step of
production of insulin is almost the necessary one.
·
In 1977 an E.coli bacterium was created that was
capable of synthesizing the human growth hormone.
·
The hormone thymosin which may prove effective against
brain and lung cancer has been produced by genetically modified microorganism.
·
Beta-endorphin, a pain killer produce by the brain,
has been produced by genetic engineering techniques.
·
Genetic engineering produces a safe vaccine against
the foot and mouth disease (A VIRAL disease in cattle, goats and
deer’s).similarly many vaccines have been produced against human diseases such
as hepatitis.
·
Interferons
are anti-viral proteins produced by cell infected with viruses. In 1980,
interferon was produced in genetically modified micro organism, for the first
time.
·
The enzymes urokinese, which is used in dissolve blood
clots, has been produced by genetically modified micro organisms.
·
Now it has been become possible to modify the gene in
human egg cell. This can lead to the elimination of inherited diseases like
hemophilia.
·
Genetic engineering techniques can also be used to
cure blood diseases like thalassemia and sickle-cell anemia, which was result
from defects in single genes. Normal gene could be transferred into the bone
marrow.
·
Genetic engineering has developed plants that can fix
nitrogen directly from the atmosphere .such plants need less fertilizers.
·
Genetic engineering introduces medicine that can be
easily available in any pharmacy through low amount of cost that helps poor
peoples to be healthy and fit.
v The cost
for producing the product by genetic engineers is very high, but once the
product is made the cost will become zero of the investing cost and the product
demands increase in general markets.
v Today many
fields of life genetic engineering was used .some industries use genetic
materials to keep the temperature and the atmospheric condition in equilibrium
state so the machineries can perform
keep their work properly.
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