Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering
Defining Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering
- Biotechnology refers to the application of biological organisms, systems, or processes to manufacturing and service industries.
- Genetic Engineering is a subfield of biotechnology and deals with the direct manipulation of an organism’s genes using biotechnology.
Understanding the Tools of Genetic Engineering
- Recombinant DNA technology: This is the process of cutting and rejoining DNA molecule fragments from two different organisms to insert a specific trait into a target organism.
- Gene cloning: An identical copy of a particular gene is made for studying its properties or expressing its protein.
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): This method copies a specific piece of DNA millions of times, making it easier to identify and study.
The Process of Genetic Engineering
- Gene Identification: Scientists identify the gene that contains a desirable trait.
- Gene Cutting: Specific enzymes, called restriction enzymes, are used to cut out the desired gene.
- Gene Insertion: The cut gene segment is inserted into a vector, often a plasmid, which carries the gene into the desired organism.
- Transformation: The vector carrying the desired gene is introduced into the cells of the recipient organism.
- Expression and Screening: Scientists then wait for the desired trait to be expressed and screen the cells to confirm the success of genetic modification.
Applications of Genetic Engineering
- In Medicine: Genetic engineering is used to produce insulin, human growth hormones, monoclonal antibodies, etc.
- In Agriculture: It aids in enhancing crop and animal yield by creating GMOs (genetically modified organisms) resistant to disease, environmental conditions, and pests.
- In Environmental Protection: It’s used to create microorganisms that can clean up oil spills or radioactive waste. Example, pseudomonas putida.
Ethical Considerations in Genetic Engineering
- Risk Assessment: The potential risks and unpredictable consequences of genetic engineering should be thoroughly evaluated.
- Biodiversity Threat: Genetic engineering can lead to loss of biodiversity due to cross-breeding of GM species with wild species.
- Health Hazards: Genetically modified foods can potentially cause allergies and other health issues.
- Societal Impact: There are socio-economic and cultural effects as well. Potential economic loss for farmers and cultural loss of traditional crops need to be considered.
Legislation and Control of Genetic Engineering
- Each genetically engineered product has to meet international standards before being released into the market.
- There are regulatory bodies at the national and international level that oversee research and product testing.
- Mandatory labeling of genetically modified products is important for consumer choice and ethical concerns.
Key Terms in Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering
- Biotechnology: The use of biological processes for industrial and other purposes.
- Genetic Engineering: The alteration of an organism’s genetic material to eliminate undesirable characteristics or to produce desirable new ones.
- Plasmid: A genetic structure that can replicate independently of the chromosomes.
- Recombinant DNA: The combination of DNA from two or more different species.
- GMO: Organism whose genome has been engineered in the laboratory in order to favour the expression of desired physiological traits.