PARBOABOA – In the world of modern biotechnology, genetic engineering has become a major topic as a scientific breakthrough that breaks conventional boundaries in the manipulation of living organisms.
The term genetic engineering in English is genetic engineering or what is usually called genetic modification. This technique has been widely used in various sectors, including research, medicine, biotechnology industry, and agriculture.
Launching from the page jove.comgenetic engineering is the process of modifying an organism’s DNA to produce new, desired traits.
The DNA modification process takes place using the principles of modern biotechnology.
So, what is actually meant by genetic engineering? Come on, find the answer in the following review! Listen until the end, okay?
What is Genetic Engineering?
Genetic engineering (Photo: Pixabay)
In general, the definition of genetic engineering is a technology used to modify the genetic material of an organism, be it a microorganism, plant, animal or human.
The genetic material of an organism contains genetic information that influences its physical and physiological characteristics.
Genetic engineering technology allows scientists to manipulate DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)which are genetic molecules that carry instructions for the development, function, growth, and reproduction of an organism.
An entity produced through genetic engineering is considered to be genetically modified and the resulting entity is known as genetically modified organism (GMO).
Quoted in the journal “Epistemology of Genetic Engineering and Controversy Over Genetic Engineering Results” by Anisatul Firdaus and Lailatus Shofiyah, genetic engineering is the process of transplanting one gene into another to produce products that are useful for living creatures.
The genetic engineering process can include deleting, adding, cutting, or replacing certain parts of the DNA.
The enzyme used to cut DNA in genetic engineering is the DNA cutting enzyme (DNA-cutting enzyme) or restriction endonuclease.
Enzymes are also called restriction enzymes it works by cutting bonds phosphodiester in the DNA molecule on the sequence nucleotides certain.
Restriction enzymes has the ability to recognize and cut specific sequences in DNA molecules.
Each DNA cutting enzyme has a characteristic target sequence known as “introductory site,” and when this enzyme encounters this sequence, it cuts the DNA at that location.
One example of a DNA cutting enzyme that is commonly used is EcoRIwhich is produced by bacteria Escherichia coli. EcoRI recognize sequences nucleotides specific and cuts DNA at that sequence.
Apart from that, genetic engineering also uses other enzymes such as ligase DNA to combine DNA fragments after genetic manipulation is complete.
This technique allows the insertion, replacement, or deletion of certain DNA sequences in genetic engineering.
History of Genetic Engineering
Genetic engineering (Photo: Pixabay/Mahmoud-Ahmed)
The history of genetic engineering involves various important events and developments that formed the foundation for the advancement of this technology. Here are some of the key events in the history of genetic engineering:
1. Basic Understanding of Genetics (19th Century)
Understanding the inheritance of traits through genetics began with the work of Gregor Mendel in the 19th century, who introduced the principles of heredity.
2. Discovery of DNA Structure (1953)
James Watson and Francis Crick announced the discovery of the structure of DNA in 1953, paving the way for further understanding of molecular genetics.
3. The Growth of Molecular Genetics (1960s)
The development of molecular genetics in the 1960s helped scientists understand more deeply the structure and function of genes.
4. DNA Recombination (1972)
Paul Berg successfully performed DNA recombination in 1972, combining pieces of DNA from different organisms. This became the first step in modern genetic engineering.
5. Creation of the First Recombinant Organism (1973)
Herbert Boyer and Stanley Cohen in 1973 succeeded in producing bacteria Escherichia coli which carried human genes, marked the first step in the creation of recombinant organisms.
6. Making Recombinant Insulin (1978)
In 1978, human insulin was first produced through genetic engineering using bacteria Escherichia coliis one of the important achievements in the application of genetic engineering in the health sector.
7. Establishment of Genetic Associations (1973)
The American Molecular Genetics Association, which later changed its name to the American Genetic Association, was formed in 1973 as a forum for the exchange of information and research in the field of genetics.
8. Human Genome Project (1990)
The Human Genome Project began in 1990 with the goal of identifying and mapping the entire human DNA sequence.
9. Animal Cloning (1996)
A sheep named Dolly was cloned in 1996 from an adult somatic cell, showing that adult somatic cells still retain the ability to produce a complete organism.
10. Development of CRISPR-Cas9 Technology (2012)
In 2012, editing technology gen CRISPR-Cas9 emerged as a revolutionary tool in genetic engineering, providing the ability to edit genes more quickly, accurately, and efficiently.
Objectives of Genetic Engineering
Rekayasa genetik (Photo: Pixabay/artursfoto)
Some of the goals of genetic engineering are:
1. Treatment of Genetic Diseases
The main goal is to develop methods of treatment or cure for genetic diseases by modifying or replacing parts of the DNA that cause the disease.
2. Increasing livestock production through genetic engineering
The aim of genetic engineering is to carry out genetic engineering on livestock with the hope of producing animals that have fast growth.
Apart from that, the gene engineering process also creates resistance to disease, as well as the ability to produce protein or milk which is very beneficial for humans.
3. Producing Medicines and Vaccines
The application of genetic engineering in microorganisms or cells can be used to produce medicines or vaccines more efficiently and economically.
4. Developing plants that are more resistant to the environment
Genetic engineering can help create plants that are resistant to difficult environmental conditions.
Some examples of conditions in question are drought or infertile soil, to increase food security in areas that are vulnerable to these disasters.
5. Produces the hormone insulin
The insulin hormone produced by genetic engineering is recombinant insulin or genetically engineered insulin.
The process of producing recombinant insulin involves the use of specific organisms, such as bacteria or yeast cells, that are genetically modified to produce human insulin.
This process allows the production of insulin that is similar to natural human insulin. This recombinant insulin has become the main choice in the treatment of diabetes.
Some of the main reasons are that it has several advantages, such as minimizing the risk of allergic reactions and increasing insulin availability.
In conclusion, genetic engineering is a process or technique of manipulating the genetic structure of organisms to change inherited traits. Happy reading and hopefully useful.
2023-12-04 03:52:46
#Genetic #Engineering #Manipulation #Gene #Arrangements #Heres #Definition #History #Goals #Parboaboa
