Introduction to Genetic Engineering

Basics of genetic engineering: Genetic engineering is a series of techniques that use the recombination of DNA to effectively modify the genetic background of animals or populations of organisms. The genetic information of cells, organs, and entire organisms/populations are identified, replicated, modified, and transferred using these procedures and techniques.

Steps involved in genetic engineering:

The three major steps are the extraction of Nucleotide sequences from a biological sample, the integration of an isolated donor DNA fragment into a vector genome, and the generation of a recombinant vector in an appropriate host involved in genetic engineering.

Briefing of the steps involved in genetic engineering:

1. Restriction enzymes identify and cut specific nucleotide segments, leaving a sticky end on both ends, cleaving the targeted DNA from the contributing chromosome. The restriction enzymes also splice the receiving chromosome at a complementary region, leaving sticky ends for the intended DNA to be received.
2. For the transfer to the recipient chromosome, the appropriate DNA fragment is put into a vector, commonly a plasmid. Plasmids are an excellent vector because they can efficiently proliferate inside host bacteria and acquire and transmit additional genes. Plasmids are circular DNA molecules found in the cytoplasm of bacteria that, with the help of the combining enzyme DNA ligase, link with the required DNA segment to form recombinant DNA.
3. When the host cell divides, the plasmids inside divide as well, resulting in numerous copies of their DNA. The complete product is referred to as a gene library since the plasmid DNA incorporates both desired and unwanted DNA clones. “One of the books in the library full of books” is a reference similar to the desired gene and the genes present inside the host.
4. The present approach for recovering desirable DNA means separating undesired cells from the combination and then using gel electrophoresis to separate the retained genes using movement on an electric grid. Gel electrophoresis uses a positively charged grid to attract negatively charged DNA fragments, allowing them to be separated by size. The smaller fragments will transit the fastest. To generate the desired result, radioactive or fluorescent markers are inserted, which attract and bind with the target DNA.

Features of genetic engineering:

Traditional breeding, in vitro fertilisation, generation of polyploidy, mutagenesis, and cell fusion techniques that do not incorporate recombinant nucleic acids or a genetically modified creature are not usually considered genetic engineering. Selective breeding has been included in several broad definitions of genetic engineering.

Although not classified as genetic engineering, cloning, and stem cell research are strongly linked, and genetic engineering can be applied in both. Synthetic biology is a different application that goes further than genetic engineering by integrating artificially synthesised material into living organisms.

Uses of genetic engineering:

By replacing the dysfunctional gene with a normal functioning gene, genetic engineering may be able to treat serious heritable diseases in humans. It is a key research tool that allows researchers to determine the function of specific genes. Drugs, vaccines, and other chemicals have been extracted from organisms that have been genetically modified to produce them. Crops that increase production, nutritional value, and protection from environmental challenges have been developed to help with agricultural production.

Organism modification techniques: The DNA can either be directly injected into the host organism or into a cell that is linked or hybridised with the host. This technique utilises recombinant nucleic acid procedures to create new permutations of heritable genetic material, which is then integrated either passively via a vector system or directly via micro-injection.

Unlike conventional animal and plant breeding, which includes performing several crosses and then selecting the species with the desired trait, genetic engineering simply transfers a gene from one organism to the next (host organism). This method is significantly faster, used mostly to incorporate genes from any creature/organism (even from other domains), and prevents the introduction and transmission of unwanted genes.

Conclusion:

Genetic engineering involves techniques that help humans modify organisms to avoid transferring misfit genes. This happens in the form of genetic diseases, changing plants’ structural map to increase the tolerance against various environmental factors, and facilitating better products using genetic engineering. As we have evolved scientifically, our research field has expanded to make the organisms more competent to the environmental factors and also use them for the betterment of the human population.