Genetic Engineering

Genetic engineering can be defined as the modification of an organism’s genes using biotechnology. Inheritable and non-inheritable genes can be modified or manipulated.

What it is?

Genetic engineering is intentional modification of genetic material, mainly DNA. It is used to enhance production, repair defects and to change the responses for the organism to various climatic conditions. For example, we can add the genes responsible for the bright color from a fruit to another fruit of the same species which has more shelf life to make the new one with both the qualities. Many tools are being used to achieve this and with the advent of powerful computers and AI, more sophisticated tools are being developed. Genetic engineering finds it use mainly in the field of Agriculture, Livestock and Medicine. Genetically modified crops (GM Crops) and medicines tailored according to the patient’s race and ethnic characteristics are being developed now.

How it is done?

Genetic Engineering is a set of techniques that changes the genetic structure of cells. That may include transfer of gene from one species to other, across another species, combining genes, editing the gene using tools to make modifications such as preventing certain diseases, making more productive etc. We can also create an entirely new organism using genetic engineering.

Genetic Engineering can also be used to clone cells and it is possible to create clones of plants, animals and even human. Dolly, a female sheep, was the first mammal to be cloned using the process of nuclear transfer. For cloning the gene is extracted from DNA using restriction enzymes or using polymerase chain reaction to amplify the gene segment. If the DNA sequence is known, we can even artificially synthesize the genome. Isolated genes are inserted in bacterium and when the bacteria divide we can get unlimited copies of the gene. These genes are then combined with other genetic elements and inserted into the target organism. These genes can also be modified if necessary.

CRISPR is a powerful gene editing tool with which we can edit, splice and cut genes in individual strands of DNA, which is revolutionizing biotechnology. It was used to cripple production of immune cell surface protein, CCR5, of an embryo, that HIV uses to establish an infection. This makes the baby naturally immune from AIDS. CRISPR–Cas9 gene therapy was administered to a person with a genetic condition that causes blindness which has no other treatment available currently. It can be used to create smart materials that change their form on command. These materials could be used to deliver drugs, and to create sentinels for almost any biological signal

Uses

Genetic engineering finds it use mainly in the field of Agriculture, Livestock and Medicine. Genetically modified crops (GM Crops) and medicines tailored according to the patient’s race and ethnic characteristics are a few examples. Using genetic engineering we can create model animals which mimic human cells where we can test medicines under development for effectiveness and potential problems. It has vastly improved infertility treatments, cancer treatment and some genetic disorders. These changes are inheritable, so that future generations won’t suffer the same disease. Using genetic tools we can analyze genome and find which all diseases an individual is prone to have in future and can be given proper preventive medications. Vaccine research also relies on genetic engineering now.

In Agriculture, we can use Genetically Modified or GM Crops which can provide protection from pests, fungi, virus, other diseases and crops that survive with less water or in a hostile climatic condition. It can also be used to increase the quality and quantity of the yield. It can be used to accelerate growth in plants or animals, so that they can become an adult much earlier.

Concerns and Consequences.

Although there are infinite uses for Genetic Engineering, it has also got potential threats if used unethically and without proper studies. Genetic modifications and manipulations are against the very order of the nature. We cannot predict what the nature has in stock when more genetically engineered organisms thrive. In case of GM crops there was much controversy that the seeds of the crops will not germinate or they are muted. Also many has raised concerns about the changes that may happen in our body when we consume those GM products.

Cloned humans can be made and some rouge nations can make armies with cloned soldiers having no sense of fear or pain. It will be harmful for the entire mankind. So unless used with caution, it is a threat to the entire organisms on Earth.

Credits: Nature Journal, Wikipedia