Genetic Engineering

Genetic engineering is used to artificially combine genes in a cell. DNA is taken from the cell of one organism and moved to another. This produces a new genetic combination and results in a trangenic organism. The transgenic organism will have new characteristics.

An example of this is if a bacteria is given a new gene that codes for a protein such as human insulin. The bacteria will then produce insulin, which it does not normally do.

A technique called gene splicing is used to develop new combinations of DNA (or recombinant DNA) in bacteria. Bacterial plasmids are placed in a test tube along with fragments of DNA from another organism. Plasmids are then cut open using a restriction enzyme and the foreign DNA joins with (or is spliced onto) the plasmid. Click HERE to view a video on gene splicing.

Unlike selective breeding, genetic engineering allows us to create organisms with a favorable trait in a short period of time (12 years vs. <1). Genetic engineering also allows organisms to take up genes from other species.

In agriculture, gene splicing allows us to produce crops with higher yields, that is more nutritious, that has disease- or insect-fighting properties, or that can better withstand drought. Livestock, which produces more milk or eggs, learner meat, or is more resistant to bacteria, may be created.