Genetic engineering

Genetic engineering, additionally referred to as genetic change or genetic manipulation, is the direct manipulation of an organism’s genes by the use of biotechnology. It is a set of technology used to alter the genetic make-up of cells, along with the transfer of genes inside and across species boundaries to produce improve or novel organisms. New DNA is acquired through both by either isolating and copying the genetic material by the usage of recombinant DNA techniques or through artificially synthesised the DNA. A construct is normally created and used to insert this DNA into the host organism. The first recombinant DNA molecule was made by Paul Berg in 1972 through combining DNA from the monkey virus SV40 with the lambda virus. As well as locating genes, the method may be used to remove, or “knock out”, genes. The new DNA can be inserted arbitrarily, or targeted to a particular part of the genome. Initially, the term genetic engineering referred to different technologies used for the change or manipulation of organisms through the approaches of heredity and reproduction. As the time period embraced both, the selection of artificial techniques and all of the interventions of biomedical strategies, amongst them artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization (IVF e.g., “test-tube” babies), cloning and gene manipulation. In the twentieth century, however the time came to refer more chiefly to techniques of recombinant DNA technology (or gene cloning), wherein DNA molecules from two or more sources are blended either within cells or in vitro and are then inserted into host organisms where they are capable of propagate.

Recombinant DNA technology and its process

The technique of combining different genetic substances (DNA) from different sources to create artificial DNA is called recombinant DNA technology. Recombinant DNA technology is commonly known as genetic engineering. Recombinant DNA technology began in 1968 with the discovery of restriction enzymes by the Swiss microbiologist Werner Arber.  Inserting the gene of interest into the host’s genome is not as easy as it sounds. It involves selecting the desired gene for delivery to the host, followed by selecting the complete vector for incorporating the gene and forming recombinant DNA. 

Therefore, recombinant DNA needs to be introduced into the host. And finally, it must be maintained in the host and passed onto offspring.

Recombinant DNA technology: Process 

The entire process of recombinant DNA technology involves multiple steps performed in a specific order to create the desired product. 

 Step 1: Separation of genetic material. 

 The first step in recombinant DNA technology is to separate the desirable DNA in its pure form that does not contain other macromolecules. 

 Step 2: Cut the gene at the recognition site. 

 The restriction enzyme plays a key role in determining the location at which the desired gene is inserted into the vector genome. These reactions are known as restriction enzyme digestions. 

 Step3: Amplifying the copy of gene through Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). 

 It is a process to intensify a single copy of DNA into thousands to millions of copies once the desired gene has been cut using the restriction enzymes properly.

 Step4: Ligation of DNA Molecules. 

 In this step of Ligation, joining of the two pieces – a cut fragment of DNA and the vector together with the help of the enzyme DNA ligase. 

 Step5. Insertion of Recombinant DNA into Host. 

 In this step, recombinant DNA is inserted into the recipient host cell. This process is called transformation. After recombinant DNA is introduced into a host cell, it is increased and, under optimal conditions, it is expressed in the form of the protein produced.

Genetically modified foods

Genetic engineering can be implemented in plants, animals, or bacteria and other very microorganisms. Genetic engineering gives allowance to scientists to move desired genes from one organism (plant or animal) into another. Moreover genes can be moved from an animal to a plant or vice versa. Alternative name for this is genetically modified organisms, or GMOs. 

 The procedure to create GE foods is unlike selective breeding. This consists of selecting plants or animals with desired traits and breeding them. After passing of time, this results in offspring with those same desired traits. 

 One of the complications with selective breeding is that it can also result in traits that are not wanted. It allows scientists to select one particular gene to implant. This escapes introducing other genes with undesirable traits. GE helps to speed up the process of producing new foods with desired traits. 

 The possible benefits of genetic engineering consist of: 

• More nutritive food 

• Delicious food 

• Infected and drought resistant plants that require less environmental resources (such as water and fertilizer) 

• Less usage of pesticides 

• Better supply of food with reduced cost and longer shelf life 

• Faster growth in plants and animals 

• Food with more desired traits, example potatoes that produce less of a cancer causing substance when fried 

• Medicinal foods that could be reprocessed as vaccines or other medicines 

 Some people have conveyed concerns about GE foods, such as: Making of foods that can cause an allergic or toxic reaction. Unpredicted or destructive genetic changes.

Conclusion 

Genetic engineering has many benefits when used to improve life, but changing genes and bit units throughout a complex life program can occur in the event of a minor accident during the change process. Imagine a side effect. Examining all the effects of genetic engineering can lead to the responsible use of mature technology. However, there are currently no specific restrictions on genetic engineering. Our society is technically ready to do genetic engineering, but may not be ready to fulfil the responsibilities that come with it.