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Module-Three

Uploaded by

Rafflesia Midzcael Emblawa
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Lesson GENETIC ENGINEERING

1 & GMOs
Genetic Engineering Processes

Biotechnology is the use of biological techniques and engineered organisms to make


products or plants and animals that have desired traits. In order to carry on this technology, it
employs different processes such as:

 Restriction Enzymes which is the cutting of the DNA strands into fragments. It is
basically used to create DNA fragments with sticky ends or blunt ends that can join
with other DNA fragments.

 Gel Electrophoresis separates DNA fragments by size. It is used to study DNA


fragments of various sizes.

 Recombinant DNA Technology is the combination of a DNA fragment with the DNA
from another source also called exogenous DNA.

 Gene Cloning is the production of the large numbers of identical recombinant DNA
molecules. It is used to create large amounts of recombinant DNA to be used in
genetically engineered organism.

 DNA Sequencing is used to identify the DNA sequence of cloned recombinant DNA
molecule to further study. It is used to identify errors in the DNA sequences to predict
the function of a particular gene and to compare to other genes with similar sequences
from different organisms.

 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) makes copies of specific regions of sequenced


DNA. It is used to copy DNA for any scientific investigation including forensic analysis
and medical testing.

1
What’s New

3 Types of Genetic Modification


Plant Genetic Modification

The easiest method of plant genetic modification used by our wandering ancestors
and until today, is simple selection. That is, genetically heterogeneous population of plants
is inspected, and “superior” individuals - plants with the most desired traits, like improved
palatability and yield - are selected for continued propagation.
ex. Production of pest-resistant plants
ex. Increase of crop production

Animal Genetic Modification


Modern breeds of livestock differ dramatically from their ancestors as a result of
breeding strategies. Established and emerging biotechnology in animal agriculture include
assisted reproductive technologies; use of naturally occurring hormones, such as
recombinants, and biotechnologies to enhance reproductive efficiency without affecting
the genome; and biotechnologies to enhance expression of desirable genes.
ex. Increase of milk production per cow
ex. Double production of eggs in chickens

Genetic Modification of Microbes


Microorganisms play significant roles in food production. They serve as primary and
secondary roles in food fermentation and in food spoilage, and they can produce enzymes
or other metabolites used in food production and processing. Humans have used and
genetically modified microbes for centuries to produce food, wine, bread, and cheese are
common examples of ancient foods, still popular, depend on microbial ingredients and
activities.
ex. Increase microbe-dependent-food production
ex. Increase human immunity/ resistance to microbe-caused-diseases

For more information on Genetic Engineering and GMOs, visit the following link:
https://www.slideshare.net/shainamavreenvillaroza/genetic-engineering-and-
biotechnology-48776975
https://www.slideshare.net/SECBIO/genetic-engineering-13933607
https://www.khanacademy.org/science/high-school-biology/hs-molecular-
genetics/hs-biotechnology/v/introduction-to-genetic-engineering

2
What Is It

Advantages/Benefits

One of the main reasons why scientists conduct Genetic Engineering (GE) is to provide
and sustain human. The modern practice of genetic engineering goes beyond cross-breeding
different species to create a new outcome. There are many advantages that genetic engineering
can bring the world today. One is that it makes agricultural practices much safer by reducing, if
not totally eliminating the use of pesticides. This will result in creating greater yields since farmers
will no longer spend extra money for pesticides. No use of pesticides would lead to improve
growth rate of crops and consequently create better food products. GE allows specific traits to be
developed for plants and animals.
It can improve resistance to diseases and even stop genetic diseases in humans. We
already have genetic testing in place to test for certain cancers. GE could be used DNA
manipulation to help treat or cure people who are born with genetic disorders. The different tools
of genetic engineering could produce novel medical treatments like vaccines, insulin, and even
hormone treatment. Through GE we can create more treatments that allow us to be proactive
more often against pathogens that can have life-threatening characteristics.

Disadvantages

There are also disadvantages that genetic engineering can bring like: amount of diversity
that is available is limited. The reason for this is the industry will focus on the product or organism
that performs well. Another disadvantage is, it’s prone to technological abuse. Currently, we have
laws and treaties in place to prevent genetic engineering abuse. However, that does not mean
that abuse on its use will not occur. The next disadvantage is the genetic engineering process
can only be copyrighted in the United States, a rule that GE DNA sequences can be patented.
That makes the rule more profitable for organizations to study DNA manipulation instead of
working for the good of humanity. Another disadvantage is, it can bring difficult legal liabilities with
unintended consequences. Seeds and crops can also be patented. This brings issues for farmers
who encounters GMOs on their land due to unintentional spread. GE does create a natural barrier
against disease and harsh environmental conditions. It also just extend the resilience of plants
and animals. The changes made are not permanent benefits. More modifications are required
over time because nature eventually adapts. Pathogens become stronger to affect the stronger
plants and animals. Our own experience with medicines that we take like antibiotics is an
evidence to this fact.

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