Genetic Engineering Discoveries

Genetic engineering is a revolutionary branch of biotechnology that transforms the genetic material of living cells to perform new functions or produce new substances. It is primarily known to the general public because of the controversial issues of human cloning and genetically modified (GM) food. However, this science may one day lead to the discovery of cures for different types of cancers, diabetes or genetic disorders. It may even bring a revolution in agriculture where plants will become stronger and fitter for environments where they cannot naturally adapt.
  1. DNA

    • DNA is part of all living cells.

      Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), which is found in all living cells, is the component that stores and transmits genetic information. Its structure was discovered in the 1950s by Frank Crick and James Watson and it has been the source of numerous experiments and discoveries ever since. Multiple applications and manipulation techniques offer researchers the possibility to view future medical treatment with optimism. Gene splicing or recombinant DNA technique gives scientists the opportunity to cut DNA chains, remove segments carrying unhealthy information and replace them with healthy segments.

    Cloning

    • Cloning is the process of duplicating living organisms.

      Cloning (duplicating) is the process of producing identical cells, groups of cells or organisms using an artificial technique called asexual reproduction. This technique involves dividing a parent cell into two cells that preserve the same genetic information as the parent cell. Frederick C. Steward used this technique in 1958 to clone carrots from mature single cells. Cloning has been tried on several animals, including toads and Dolly the famous sheep (who was cloned from an adult sheep in 1996). There is a lot of controversy surrounding the possibility of cloning humans in the near future and the morality and consequences of such an experiment.

    Agriculture

    • The general public has strongly opposed genetically modified food.

      Genetic engineering can improve agriculture. Improving crops by making them resistant to pests and extreme weather conditions can offer many benefits for people in the long run. Nevertheless, many people strongly oppose genetically modified (GM) food, although it has been sold in stores for years in many countries. According to Friends of the Earth International, an international federation of environmental organizations, 64 percent of all GM crops are cultivated in the United States. In August 2010, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) made public its intention to produce a GM salmon for public consumption.

    Human Gene Therapy

    • Human gene therapy may cure genetic disorders.

      The treatment of about 3,000 genetic disorders, such as cystic fibrosis and sickle-cell anemia, may be one of the best things that genetic engineering can do. The insertion of copies of correct cells into bodies that lack them or the replacement of faulty cells in DNA molecules is called human gene therapy. The first human gene therapy experiments date back to the 1980s. In the year 2000, three babies in France were cured of genetic disorders using an HGT technique. They are considered the first genetic engineering treatment successes. Despite several failures, researchers believe that this technique, when perfected, can improve the health of many people.

Medical Research - Related Articles