Personal Essay: Genetic Engineering

Genetically modified microorganisms are microorganisms/organisms which have been genetically altered meaning that their genetic materials have been modified. This modification is achieved through a technological method, genetic engineering. Genetic engineering also known as recombinant DNA technology/genetic modification is a science that employs molecular biology techniques so as to modify or alter the genome of an organism. It involves manipulation of an organism’s genome directly by use of biotechnology. Typically, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), which is an exogenous genetic material, is inserted in the host genome. This is done by isolating and copying the genetic material in question using a method known as molecular cloning so as to generate a DNA sequence. That is, the gene that will be inserted into the organism to be modified is first selected/chosen and then isolated. This can be done using restriction enzymes so as to slice DNA into fragments and gel electrophoresis. This separates them as per their length. Artificial synthesis may be applied in a case whereby the DNA sequence is known, but there are no available copies of the gene. For the gene that is to be inserted into the GMO to work properly, it must be combined with other genetic elements. Modification of the gene can also be done at this point to enhance effectiveness. The resulting microorganism through genetic engineering is a genetically modified

When I was eight years old, I accomplished what some daredevils would never attempt to try. I tested the validity of Newtonian mechanics by, unintentionally, flying off my bike.

Gene technology is the term given to a range of activities concerned with understanding the expression of genes, taking advantage of natural genetic variation, modifying genes and transferring genes to new hosts. Gene technology sits within the broader area of biotechnology – the use of living things to make or change products. Humans have been using biotechnology for centuries in activities ranging from plant and animal breeding through to brewing and baking. All living things have genes. Genes are coded instructions that determine what an organism will look like and how it will function. A gene is made up of DNA

     Genetic engineering is a process in which scientists transfer genes from one species to another totally unrelated species. Usually this is done in order to get one organism to produce proteins, which it would not naturally produce. The genes taken from one species, which code for a particular protein, are put into cells of another species, using a vector. This can result in the cells producing the desired protein. It is used for producing proteins which can be used by humans, such as insulin for diabetics and is also used to make organisms better at surviving, for example genetically modifying a plant so that it can survive in acidic soil.

What if cancer could be cured by eating a pear? Or if a crop of wheat could be developed so that it never rotted? These may sound like science fiction but they're not as strange as they first seem to be, and may even be reality in the future. Fifteen years ago who would have thought that plants could be created to be immune to pesticides or that it would be possible to create a sheep that is exactly like its parent in every physical way? And yet both of these currently exist due to genetic engineering. Genetic engineering is a developing science that is viewed with a lot of public apprehension. No one seems to be able to explain what genetic engineering is, when it first began, or what the possibilities are for the future of this science.

Genetic engineering, the process of using genetic information from the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of cells to fix or improve genetic defects or maladies, has been developing for over twenty years. When Joseph Vacanti, a pediatric surgeon at Children’s Hospital, and Robert Langer, a chemical engineering professor at MIT, first met as researchers in the 1970’s, they had little knowledge of the movement they would help found. After they discovered a method of growing live tissue in the 1980’s, a new science was born, and it races daily towards new discoveries and medical breakthroughs (Arnst and Carey 60). “Tissue engineering offers the promise that failing organs and aging cells no longer be tolerated — they can be rejuvenated or replaced

Human genetic engineering in the world today has become an issue because of its many positive uses and its probable consequences. There is no denying that it could be incredibly useful for preventing diseases such as cancer and others before we are even born. But, with this also comes the ability to give children genes before their born that will give them talent to run faster, jump higher, use more of their brain that will severly distinguish them from the rest of society. Imagine growing up and you are the best athlete in your high school, you can out perform anyone you come against. You are commended on your work ethic but he question that comes up most often is “How do you do it?” You begin to think

At one time, golden rice was just a wild idea that Ingo Potrykus thought up. Optimally, golden rice would improve the lives of millions of the poorest people in the world. The rice would contain beta-carotene which is the building block for vitamin A. However, imagining golden rice was one thing and bringing it into existence was another. He struggled for years with his colleagues to deal with the finicky growing habits of the rice they transplanted to a greenhouse near the foot hills of the Swiss Alps. Potrykus and his colleagues became successful in the spring of 1999. By creating golden rice, Potrykus wanted to be sure it would reach malnourished children of the developing world; those for whom it was intended. He knew that would

When we envision our future, we usually imagine a future free of disease and physical sickness, but have you ever wondered how a disease-free society will be accomplished? In the twenty-first century our world will be a very different place because of genetic manipulation and engineering. There are many pros and cons to this debate, but it is undeniable that the effects from the new revelations in the field of genetics are far-reaching and deep impacting. Genetic engineering is a radical new technology, one that breaks down fundamental barriers, not only between species, but also between humans, animals, and plants. By combining the genes of dissimilar and unrelated species, permanently altering their genetic

What if the cure for cancer could be eliminating its presence in an individual before they were even diagnosed? Or if the discrimination towards the colour of your child's skin can be cut short before the hateful words are even said? These ideas may sound like science fiction but they're not as unsung as they first seem to be, and may even be a reality of our future. Once upon a time Genetic engineering was illogical thought, today, it is a very controversial and prominent issue within our society. According to an article published on the 4th of August this year in the New York Times, an international team of scientists in Oregon has successfully edited genes in human embryos to repair a common and serious disease-causing mutation, producing apparently healthy embryos. Plants and even Humans, are now starting to be manipulated. Scientists are finding ways to change humans before they are even born. Removing, adding and altering genes in the human genome. Making things possible that humans (even thirty years ago) would have never imagined.

Genetic engineering is the process of modifying the DNA of an organism to improve its functioning, or to benefit the human species. This broad term can apply to diagnosing and curing diseases, developing new vaccines, and more controversially, manufacturing animal and food products. A less well-known fact is that genetic engineering has been around since approximately 8000 BCE with the domestication of plants, according to experts from National Geographic. Through time, humans have had an ever-increasing effect on the natural world, and recent strides in genetic technology have shifted the primary focus from artificial selection in the wheat fields to growing virus-resistant rat embryos in research laboratories. The possibilities are seemingly endless, but there are many ethical and health concerns associated with this practice as a result.

CRISPR-Cas9 currently stands out as the fastest, most reliable, and least expensive method of manipulating genes. It is also the most versatile and most accurate, thanks to its simplicity. For this reason, it has garnered much attention from both the scientific community and the general public.

The impact of genetic modification can be seen everywhere – the clothing we wear, the medicines we take, the food we eat. Much of agriculture today has undergone modification, and the advancement of technology allows for more complicated changes can be made. However, genetic modification has been met with criticism and disbelief. There is a stigma surrounding things that are man-made and unnatural, claiming that there are irreversible, devastating effects on the planet. But what some see as a detriment to the health of humans can benefit those without access to the nutrients they need to survive. Genetically modified organisms have the potential to improve the health of people in developing countries.

One example of genetic engineering that I found to be truly fascinating were genetically engineered bananas that carry the Hepatitis B vaccine within them. Growing up, I recognized that vaccines were something that everyone was supposed to receive, and as time went on I began to understand why. However, growing up I also absolutely loathed shots, and as a result, vaccines were my worst nightmare! Yet, after doing much research and learning that vaccines are now being incorporated into foods was a true moment of relief. With this form of genetic engineering on the rise, it means that no one will ever have to go through unnecessary pain, such as vaccine shots ever again. In addition, as my research went on, I learned that bananas are not the only food to be genetically engineered to contain the vaccine; however, they are the best candidate.

The baby rhesus monkey named ANDi is “inserted DNA” spelled backward. The baby rhesus monkey has, “genes from a jellyfish, which were inserted as a "marker" so researchers could see if the experiment worked” (Newsmakers/Oregon Regional Primate Research Center.) Genetic Engineering has many medical benefits including, increasing lifespan, curing diseases, and designing babies.