Genetic+Engineering+(GE)

__//**A. General Information**//__

Genetic engineering is a new, revolutionary field where methods that are being used in laboratories around the world by many scientists to change DNA of an organism. Since DNA is considered to be the blueprint of the individuality of an organism, human growth and functions depend on its DNA. As we all know, the segments of DNA that code for important proteins are known as genes. There are some enzymes that have been discovered to help change the shape of DNA and they help in cutting and joining strands of DNA as well. Due to these techniques, it has been possible for scientists to cut out some genes from the DNA and make new DNA using those genes. Scientists also learned to make new vectors and they made an effort to transplant favorable genes into the DNA by using the vectors. Genetic engineering actually involves //in vitro// manipulations and it also involves the characterization of genotypes before analyzing the characterization of phenotype. It has the ability to separate the DNA chemically from an organism and it happens in various ways, depending on the desirable traits. If the bulk DNA needs to be isolated, then the cells need to be cut open and the DNA needs to be purified by precipitation and extraction. However, if a particular gene needs to be isolated, then the desired region has to be placed on a replicon other than the chromosome. This will help to amplify the expression of desired regions and will give it its physical properties.

__//**B. Benefits of GE**//__

As scientists and researchers have been concentrating on this complex topic, they have found out plenty of benefits of these processes. Genetic engineering has become very well known as it plays a great role in medicine, pharmacology, reproductive technology, and in other fields. All of the new advanced technologies and innovations made it all possible as it gave us an idea about DNA and its role in human life. Among all the benefits, **//__Gene Therapy__//** which is a treatment of defective genes by replacing new favorable genes to fight off diseases has become the most promising benefits nowadays. Some heart diseases and autoimmune diseases have been treated with this therapy over years while scientists are still hoping to find out cure for diseases caused by defective genes like Huntington’s disease and cystic fibrosis. They are planning to implant modified genes or perform a genetic surgery to get rid of some of the genetic diseases. A future benefit of this engineering would be treating genetic defects by gene therapy of a child before birth. But more studies and researches should be done before finalizing anything and performing gene therapy to implant into the mother through in-vitro fertilization. Genetic engineering has also made a great impact on the invention of pharmaceutical products through the cloning of different genes. For example, genetically engineered insulin, growth hormones, and blood clotting factors are available on the market.

After all the advantages of genetic engineering, there are plenty of harmful effects of this process but the benefits and the risks should be weighed based on people’s moral, legal , spiritual and ethical values. Genetic ngineering is somewhat an imprecise technology as implantation of other genes might disrupt the functions of other genes that are necessary for survival. Enough information hasn’t been found yet to perform a DNA surgery without any changes or mutations which would definitely be hazardous to our health and the environment. It also threatens our food supplies as well. If transgenic plant cross pollinate with naturally growing plants, all crops will be contaminated due to cross pollination. Bio-Engineered food might contain high level of toxins due to the unexpected mutations and cause allergic reaction including deadly diseases. People consuming these foods might also get infected with bacteria as genes of genetically modified food give resistance to bacteria. According to Mayeno, a writer who wrote an article named Eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome and tryptophan production: a cautionary tale at TibTech,37 people died, 1500 were partially paralyzed, and 5000 more were temporarily disabled by a syndrome by genetically engineered bacteria. On the other hand, the usage of herbicides and pesticides will increase excessively making the environment more polluted. Local ecology will be damaged because of the influence of genetically engineered animals.

Sources:

Barron's AP Biology Review Book (2008 Edition) Solomon Biology Textbook (8th Edition)