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

Lungs - respiration, Lungs - Respiration Lungs can be simple, characte...

Lungs - Respiration Lungs can be simple, characterised by air exchange with surrounding environment by diffusion only. These are called the diffusion lungs and are present in

Colonial , 1. The level of organization intermediate between unicellular an...

1. The level of organization intermediate between unicellular and the multicellular - organisms are composed of multiple cells but these fail to exhibit specialization of those cel

What is secondary structure of a protein, Q. What is secondary structure of...

Q. What is secondary structure of a protein? The secondary protein structure is creating by the manner its amino acids interact through the intermolecular bond. These communica

Compare and contrast enantiomers in relation to sugars, Compare and contras...

Compare and contrast enantiomers, epimers, and anomers, specifically in relation to sugars.

Define the control of tear production, Define the control of tear productio...

Define the control of tear production. Control of Tear Production The lacrimal secretary system was initially thought to be comprised of two parts, basic secretors and r

What is the production of the rna, Q. What is the production of the RNA cal...

Q. What is the production of the RNA called and what is the enzyme that catalyzes the procedure? The making of the RNA from information contained in the DNA is called transcrip

What is mutualism, Q. What is mutualism? The Mutualism is the ecologica...

Q. What is mutualism? The Mutualism is the ecological interaction in which both participants advantage and that is obligatory for their survival. The Mutualism is a harmonio

Explain what an isotonic fluid loss means, Your client has the flu and repo...

Your client has the flu and reports 5-6 loose stools a day. He has experienced an isotonic fluid volume loss. Explain what an isotonic fluid loss means.

Define about the carbohydrates, Define about the Carbohydrates? In the ...

Define about the Carbohydrates? In the previous unit we have studied about the energy requirements. You now know that energy must be supplied regularly to individuals through t

Define phases of the absorption of iron, Define phases of the absorption of...

Define phases of the absorption of iron? The process of absorption is divided into three phases: i) Iron uptake by enterocytes (epithelial cell of the superficial layer of t

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