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

Physiology of the heart, The heart is the muscular pump that pushes blood t...

The heart is the muscular pump that pushes blood through the circulatory system. Each heartbeat can be felt as an arterial pulse. The heart valves when closed prevent the blood fro

Define the enzyme function of vitamin c, Define the Enzyme Function of Vita...

Define the Enzyme Function of Vitamin C? Vitamin C acts as an electron donor for 11 enzymes. Three of those enzymes are found in fungi but not in humans. Of the eight remainin

Introduction to metabolism, Introduction to Metabolism An organism have...

Introduction to Metabolism An organism have to be managed its cellular organization and internal equilibrium despite the external forces which act upon it. Cells take in nutrie

Define the meaning of value - soil, Define the meaning of value - Soil ...

Define the meaning of value - Soil Value refers to relative lightness or darkness of a colour and is a measure of the amount of light that reaches the eye under standard lighti

Human respiratory system - larynx, LARYN X - Study of larynx is kno...

LARYN X - Study of larynx is known as Laryngeology. In man it is more prominent than woman known as Adam's apple. It is sound producing organ. At its base trachea presen

What are the types of plant geotropisms, What are the types of plant geotro...

What are the types of plant geotropisms? Why do the stem and the root present opposite geotropisms? The parts of geotropisms are the positive geotropism, that in which the plan

Psychosocial problems, PSYCHOSOCIA L PROBLEMS  - 1 .       Accidental...

PSYCHOSOCIA L PROBLEMS  - 1 .       Accidental injury - Automobile accidents are no. 1 killers of adolescents, as they drive often fast. 2 .       Depression - I

What is pinocytosis, Pinocytosis: - The  ingestion of dissolved materials  ...

Pinocytosis: - The  ingestion of dissolved materials  by  endocytosis.  The cytoplasmic membrane invaginates and pinches off placing small  droplets of fluid  in  a  pinocytic vesi

What is syphilis, What is syphilis? Syphilis, also known as lues, is a ...

What is syphilis? Syphilis, also known as lues, is a disease caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum. Before the discovery of penicillin, syphilis was a fatal disease. Today

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