What is genetic engineering, Biology

Assignment Help:

Q. What is genetic engineering?

Genetic engineering, It is also known as molecular cloning or gene cloning, is artificial recombination of nucleic acid molecules in a test tube; their insertion into a virus, bacterial plasmid or other vector system; and subsequent incorporation of chimeric molecules into a host organism in which they are capable of continued propagation. Construction of such molecules hasalso been called gene manipulation since it usually involves production of novel genetic combinations by biochemical means. Genetic engineering techniques include cell fusion and the use of recombinant DNA or gene-splicing. In cell fusiontough outer membranes of sperm and egg cells are removed by enzymes, and then fragile cells are mixed and combined with aid of chemicals or viruses. Result may be the creation of a new life form from two species (a chimera). RecombinantDNA techniques transfer a specific genetic activity from one organism to the subsequent through the use of bacterial plasmids (small circular pieces of DNA lying outside the main bacterial chromosome) and enzymes, like restriction endonucleases (that cut the DNA strands); reverse transcriptase (that makes a DNA strand from an RNAstrand); DNA ligase (that joins DNA strands together); and Taq polymerase (that can make a double-strand DNA molecule from a single-strand "primer" molecule). Recombinant DNA process begins with the isolation and fragmentation of suitable DNA strands. After these fragments are combined with vectors, they are carried into bacterial cells, where DNA fragments are "spliced" on to plasmid DNA which has been opened up. These hybrid plasmids are then mixed with host cells to form transformed cells. Because only some of the transformed cells will exhibit desired characteristic or gene activity, transformed cells are separated and grown individually in cultures. This methodology has been successful in producing large quantities of hormones (like insulin) for biotechnology industry. However it is more difficult to transform plant and animal cells. Yet technique exists to make plants resistant to diseases and to make animals grow larger. As genetic engineering interferes withprocesses of heredity and can change genetic structure of our own species, there is much concern over ethical ramifications of such power, and possible health and ecological consequences of creation of these bacterial forms.


Related Discussions:- What is genetic engineering

Explain the composition of blood agar, Explain the Composition of Blood Aga...

Explain the Composition of Blood Agar? Infusion from beef heart - 500 gm Tryptose - 10.0 gm Sodium Chloride -  5.0 gm Agar - 15 gm Distilled water - 1000  ml pH

Approach grafting, Approach grafting In this method both scion and s...

Approach grafting In this method both scion and stock remain rooted. A small slice is cut off from the stem of scion and stock. Scion is bent towards the stock. The two c

Explain about the term- therapeutic, Explain about the term- Therapeutic ...

Explain about the term- Therapeutic Therapeutic approaches that scientists are pursuing include transplanting cells to replace those which are damaged or using growth factors

What are the transposable elements, Transposable elements are able to move ...

Transposable elements are able to move around the genome by precise or imprecise excision events. What is meant by imprecise excision? A. Imprecise excision refers to a transpo

Define mechanism for provide protection against colon cancer, Define Mechan...

Define Mechanisms for Provide protection against colon cancer? Several plausable mechanisms have been formulated by which fibre may provide protection against colon cancer. The

Advantages and disadvantages of measurement of cell mass, Define Advantages...

Define Advantages and Disadvantages of Measurement of Cell Mass? Advantage 1. It is a useful technique for estimating fungal and actinomycetes growth. Disadvantages 1.

Digestion, summarise the comparative anatomy of the digestive system of the...

summarise the comparative anatomy of the digestive system of the invertebrate and the vertebrate.

Field capacity (fc), Field Capacity (FC) It is the capacity of a field...

Field Capacity (FC) It is the capacity of a field to hold the amount of water against gravitational forces. It is expressed as the percentage of the dry weight of the soil. Fi

Acclimation and acclimatisation, Normal 0 false false false...

Normal 0 false false false EN-IN X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

Hydrochory - dispersal of seeds, Hydrochory - Dispersal of Seeds Plant...

Hydrochory - Dispersal of Seeds Plants that grow in or along the bank of water bodies often utilize water as an agency for dissemination of fruits and seeds. Coconut, Cocos nu

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd