Biotechnology in genetic engineering

Biotechnology is the application of biology to the solution of problems and the production of useful products. The production of therapeutic proteins and other drugs through genetic engineering is the most well-known application of biotechnological techniques.

It is the direct manipulation of an organism’s genes using biotechnology that is referred to as genetic engineering. Genetic modification and genetic manipulation are other terms for the same thing. Genetic engineering is a collection of technologies that are used to alter the genetic makeup of cells, including the transfer of genes within and across species boundaries, in order to produce improved or novel organisms.

DNA Synthesis

When creating new DNA, scientists can either isolate and copy the genetic material of interest using recombinant DNA methods, or they can artificially synthesise the DNA from scratch. The majority of the time, a construct is created and used to insert this DNA into the host organism. Paul Berg created the first recombinant DNA molecule in 1972 by combining DNA from the monkey virus SV40 with DNA from the lambda virus. This was the first time that DNA had been recombined. In addition to inserting genes, the process can be used to remove genes, which is referred to as “knocking out” genes. The new DNA can be inserted into the genome at random or specifically targeted to a specific region of the genome.

Genetic engineering, also known as genetic modification, is the process of directly altering an organism’s genome through the use of biotechnology. Genetic engineering is a collection of technologies that are used to alter the genetic makeup of cells, including the transfer of genes within and across species boundaries, in order to produce improved or novel organisms. New DNA is obtained by either isolating or copying the genetic material of interest using molecular cloning methods, or by synthesising the DNA in a laboratory setting using synthetic DNA. The majority of the time, a construct is created and used to insert this DNA into the host organism. In addition to inserting genes, the process can be used to remove genes, which is referred to as “knocking out” genes. The new DNA can be inserted into the genome at random or specifically targeted to a specific region of the genome.

Process of genetic engineering

Extraction  from cells

In order to expose the DNA, the cell must first be opened carefully so that it does not sustain too much harm. The methods that are employed differ based on the type of cell. Once the cell has been opened, the DNA must be isolated from the other components of the cell. Proteins and other cell debris are found in the interior of a burst cell. The nucleic acids can be isolated from the detritus by mixing with phenol and/or chloroform, followed by centrifugation, and then being collected in an upper aqueous phase. By repeating the phenol-chloroform processes, the aqueous phase can be removed and further purified if necessary, and the product can be reused. With the use of ethanol or isopropanol, the nucleic acids can be precipitated from the aqueous solution and used in other applications. Any RNA can be eliminated by incubating the sample with a ribonuclease enzyme that degrades the RNA. Many companies now sell kits that make the process easier to complete.

Isolation of genes

It is necessary to isolate the gene of interest from the retrieved DNA. If the sequence of the DNA is unknown, a common way is to break the DNA up using a random digestion method, which is described below. A restriction enzyme is typically used to achieve this task (enzymes that cut DNA). A partial restriction digest is one that only cuts parts of the restriction sites, resulting in DNA fragment segments that are overlapping. The DNA pieces are inserted into separate plasmid vectors and allowed to grow inside bacteria for a period of time. When the plasmid is introduced into the bacteria, it is replicated as the bacteria divides. The DNA library is tested for the required phenotype in order to establish whether or not a beneficial gene is present in a given fragment. A positive result for this trait indicates that the bacteria may have the target gene.

Otherwise, if the gene does not manifest itself in any way or if the DNA library does not include the proper gene, it will be necessary to employ alternative methods of isolation in order to isolate it. The process of chromosomal walking can be used to isolate the right DNA fragment if the location of the gene can be determined using molecular markers. The gene could be isolated if it exhibits high homology to a known gene in another species. If the gene exhibits high homology to a known gene in another species, it could be isolated by searching for genes in the library that are highly similar to the known gene.

Modification

For the gene to be successfully inserted, it must be joined with other genetic elements in order to function correctly. It is possible to modify the gene at this stage to improve its expression or efficacy. The majority of constructs, in addition to the gene to be inserted, also comprise a promoter and terminator region, as well as a selectable marker gene. The promoter region is responsible for the initiation of gene transcription and can be utilised to regulate the location and degree of gene expression, whereas the terminator region is responsible for the termination of gene transcription. Selectable markers, such as those that impart antibiotic resistance to the organisms in which they are produced, are employed to determine which cells are transformed with the new gene. In most situations, these markers are antibiotic resistance genes. Construction of the constructs is accomplished by the use of recombinant DNA techniques such as restriction digestions, ligations, and molecular cloning.

Advantages of Genetic Engineering 

• Production of genetically modified crops is a benefit for the agricultural industry.
• It can be used to cultivate crops that are drought- and disease-resistant, as well as ones that are high in protein.
• Genetic abnormalities, as previously said, are treatable conditions.
• Mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue can be eliminated by sterilising the mosquito population through genetic engineering.
• Cloning for medical purposes

Disadvantages of Genetic Engineering 

• The development of genetically altered creatures may have unintended consequences and may result in unanticipated consequences that were not anticipated.
• The introduction of a genetically modified creature into a particular ecosystem in order to achieve a desired goal may result in the distorting of the ecosystem’s existing biodiversity.
• It is also possible that genetically modified crops will have negative consequences on human health.
• Because of its bioethical implications, the notion of genetic engineering is being disputed. Those who oppose genetic engineering believe that we have the right to distort or mould nature to suit our needs.

Conclusion

When a plant, animal, or microorganism’s genetic material (DNA) has been altered using technology that generally involves the specific modification of DNA, including the transfer of specific DNA from one organism to another, the organism is referred to as a GMO (genetically modified organism). Genetic engineering is the term used frequently by scientists to describe this process.