The eventual downfall of humanity will probably be caused by the achievements in the field of science. Looking at the achievements of genetic modification makes one to think that what people say about the fall of humanity being linked to science is not a farfetched idea after all. Organisms whose genetic content has been altered through techniques of genetic engineering are called genetically modified GMO organisms. Such organisms continue to find use in the modern society every day.
In selective breeding, the next generation of breed is produced by breeding organisms that possess only those traits that are required. It is from this concept that genetic modification was developed. Gene altering was made possible by developments in genetics that allowed for direct alteration of DNA. Combination of DNA samples from two specimens of virus by Paul Berg in 1972 led to the creation of the first recombinant DNA.
In 1973, Stanley Cohen and Herbert Boyer experimented with bacteria and were able to create the first GMO. Later in the same year, Rudolf Jaenisch created a transgenic mouse. The embryo of the mouse had foreign DNA introduced into it and the result was the first ever transgenic animal to be created. Eight years after this first development, mice were developed with the capability of passing their transgene down to offspring.
A plant that is modified genetically was first created by a three scientists in 1983. Michael Bevan, Richard Flavell, and Mary-Dell Chilton were the members of the team. Their experiments led to the creation of disease-resistant variety of tobacco. In 1987, gene guns were invented and plants with improved nutrient value first got introduced in 2000.
Processes of gene mutation, insertion, and deletion are used in the production of GMOs. Horizontal gene transfer is used to insert genes into target hosts. This process of gene transfer may also happen naturally for a number of reasons when exogenous DNA penetrates cell membranes. There are various ways used to achieve gene modification. The first method attaches genes onto viruses. The second method employs tiny syringes to physically insert additional DNA into nucleus of targeted hosts.
The third method makes use of an electric pulse to introduce DNA from one organism into the cells of others. The fourth method makes use of the gene gun to fire small particles into target hosts. There are other methods that take advantage of natural forms of transferring genes. For instance, the Agrobacterium has the ability to transfer genetic material into plants while lentiviruses have the same capability in animals.
The use of GMOs is in many applications and industries. The organisms are used in areas like agriculture, medical and biological research, experimental medicine, and in production of pharmaceutical drugs. The discovery and development of treatments and cures for major medical conditions is increasingly becoming dependent on GMOs. To that end, various animals have been genetically engineered including rats, sheep, and pigs.
Many governments place strict regulation on genetic modification of organisms. Regulation standards vary from one country to another. For instance, how the United States regulates this industry is very different from how European nations do it. Often regulation is dependent on the purpose for developing the organisms.
In selective breeding, the next generation of breed is produced by breeding organisms that possess only those traits that are required. It is from this concept that genetic modification was developed. Gene altering was made possible by developments in genetics that allowed for direct alteration of DNA. Combination of DNA samples from two specimens of virus by Paul Berg in 1972 led to the creation of the first recombinant DNA.
In 1973, Stanley Cohen and Herbert Boyer experimented with bacteria and were able to create the first GMO. Later in the same year, Rudolf Jaenisch created a transgenic mouse. The embryo of the mouse had foreign DNA introduced into it and the result was the first ever transgenic animal to be created. Eight years after this first development, mice were developed with the capability of passing their transgene down to offspring.
A plant that is modified genetically was first created by a three scientists in 1983. Michael Bevan, Richard Flavell, and Mary-Dell Chilton were the members of the team. Their experiments led to the creation of disease-resistant variety of tobacco. In 1987, gene guns were invented and plants with improved nutrient value first got introduced in 2000.
Processes of gene mutation, insertion, and deletion are used in the production of GMOs. Horizontal gene transfer is used to insert genes into target hosts. This process of gene transfer may also happen naturally for a number of reasons when exogenous DNA penetrates cell membranes. There are various ways used to achieve gene modification. The first method attaches genes onto viruses. The second method employs tiny syringes to physically insert additional DNA into nucleus of targeted hosts.
The third method makes use of an electric pulse to introduce DNA from one organism into the cells of others. The fourth method makes use of the gene gun to fire small particles into target hosts. There are other methods that take advantage of natural forms of transferring genes. For instance, the Agrobacterium has the ability to transfer genetic material into plants while lentiviruses have the same capability in animals.
The use of GMOs is in many applications and industries. The organisms are used in areas like agriculture, medical and biological research, experimental medicine, and in production of pharmaceutical drugs. The discovery and development of treatments and cures for major medical conditions is increasingly becoming dependent on GMOs. To that end, various animals have been genetically engineered including rats, sheep, and pigs.
Many governments place strict regulation on genetic modification of organisms. Regulation standards vary from one country to another. For instance, how the United States regulates this industry is very different from how European nations do it. Often regulation is dependent on the purpose for developing the organisms.
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