Structures Of Genetic Engineering

Genetic engineering : Definition

Definition:

Genetic engineering, also called genetic modification is the direct manipulation of the genome of an organism using biotechnology. (Genetic Modification indirectly through artificial selection has been practiced for centuries.) New DNA can be inserted into the host genome by first isolating and copy the genetic material of interest using molecular cloning methods to generate a DNA sequence, or by DNA synthesis, and then inserting this construct into the host organism. Genes can be deleted or "knocked out" using a nuclease. Gene targeting is a different technique that uses homologous recombination to change an endogenous gene, and can be used to delete a gene, exons remove, add a gene, or to introduce mutations.

An organism that is generated through genetic engineering is considered to be a genetically modified organism (GMO). The first GMOs were bacteria in 1973, transgenic mice were generated in 1974. Insulin-producing bacteria were commercialized in 1982 and genetically modified food has been sold since 1994. Glofish, the first GMO designed as a pet, was first sold in the United States in December 2003. [1]

Genetic engineering techniques have been applied in many fields, such as research, agriculture, industrial biotechnology, and medicine. Enzymes are used in detergents and medicines such as insulin and human growth hormone are produced in genetically modified cells, cell lines genetically modified experimental and transgenic animals such as mice or zebrafish are used for research purposes, and GM crops have been commercialized.