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.
Genetic modification of organism owes its origin to selective breeding in which organisms with certain desired organisms are used in breeding the next generation of that organism. With advancements in genetics, scientists were able to alter DNA directly therefore altering genes. The first recombinant DNA was created by Paul Berg by combining DNA from two virus strains in 1972.
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.
The first genetically modified plant was developed in 1983 by a team of three scientists, that is, Mary-Dell Chilton, Richard Flavell, and Michael Bevan. Their experiment allowed them to grow new tobacco that carried a resistance gene from a certain disease which was detrimental to ordinary tobacco. A gene gun was invented in 1987 and in 2000 the first plant which has increased nutrient value was developed.
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 use of electric pulses represents the third technique in which introduction of DNA into organisms uses a pulse of electricity. Gene guns also find use as the fourth method in use. The intended host is fired with tiny particles using the gene gun. Natural methods are also available and the can be used to transfer genes. For instance, in plants, gene transfer can be done by the Agrobacterium whereas in animals, the same process can be achieved by lentiviruses.
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 are involved in the regulation of how genetic modification of animals is done. Each country has different standards for regulation. Some of the major differences in government regulation are between European countries and the United States. Regulation is often dependent on the intended use of the GMO developed.
Genetic modification of organism owes its origin to selective breeding in which organisms with certain desired organisms are used in breeding the next generation of that organism. With advancements in genetics, scientists were able to alter DNA directly therefore altering genes. The first recombinant DNA was created by Paul Berg by combining DNA from two virus strains in 1972.
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.
The first genetically modified plant was developed in 1983 by a team of three scientists, that is, Mary-Dell Chilton, Richard Flavell, and Michael Bevan. Their experiment allowed them to grow new tobacco that carried a resistance gene from a certain disease which was detrimental to ordinary tobacco. A gene gun was invented in 1987 and in 2000 the first plant which has increased nutrient value was developed.
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 use of electric pulses represents the third technique in which introduction of DNA into organisms uses a pulse of electricity. Gene guns also find use as the fourth method in use. The intended host is fired with tiny particles using the gene gun. Natural methods are also available and the can be used to transfer genes. For instance, in plants, gene transfer can be done by the Agrobacterium whereas in animals, the same process can be achieved by lentiviruses.
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 are involved in the regulation of how genetic modification of animals is done. Each country has different standards for regulation. Some of the major differences in government regulation are between European countries and the United States. Regulation is often dependent on the intended use of the GMO developed.
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