Genetic Engineering Overview

Genetic engineering is the process of directly altering an organism's genetic makeup, specifically its DNA, to modify specific traits or genes.

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are organisms that have been created using genetic engineering techniques.

The first genetically modified bacteria were created in 1973.

In 1974, genetically modified mice were created, marking a significant step in the development of GMOs.

In 1982, the first commercial development of GMOs occurred with the creation of insulin-producing bacteria.

The first genetically modified food, the Flavr-Savr tomato, was introduced to the market in 1994.

In 2003, GMOs began to be sold as pets, with the example of Glofish, a genetically modified fish.

The process of creating GMOs involves modifying the organism's genetic material, typically through techniques like gene insertion or gene editing.

A gene is a segment of DNA that contains the code for making a specific protein.

GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organism. GMOs are organisms whose genetic material has been altered in a way that doesn't occur naturally.

The process of creating a GMO involves altering the organism's DNA. This can be done by inserting new genetic material, replacing existing genes, removing genes, or mutating existing genes.

Restriction enzymes are like molecular scissors that cut DNA at specific sequences.

Recombinant DNA is a combination of DNA from two or more different sources.

The first step in modifying DNA is to extract it from cells.

The second step in modifying DNA is to cut it into smaller pieces using restriction enzymes.

The third step in modifying DNA is to combine the cut DNA with DNA from another organism.

The process of attaching pieces of DNA segments to the DNA of other organisms.

A small circular DNA molecule found in bacteria and some other microscopic organisms.

A restriction enzyme is a "scissor-like" enzyme that cuts specific sequences in the DNA. It plays a role in genetic engineering.

The combined DNA is placed inside a living cell, allowing it to replicate and express the new genetic information.

The new DNA, called recombinant DNA, is introduced into a living cell.

The process of genetic engineering can be used to produce useful products such as medicines and food.

A specific sequence of DNA that recognizes and cuts DNA at a particular site. It's like a pair of molecular scissors for DNA.

Short stretches of single-stranded DNA at the end of a DNA molecule, usually created by restriction enzymes. They act like tiny 'sticky notes' for DNA.

An enzyme that joins two DNA fragments together. It's like a molecular glue for DNA.

A DNA molecule that has been altered by the insertion of a foreign gene.

The process of introducing a recombinant plasmid into a bacterial cell.

The creation of multiple copies of a specific gene or DNA sequence within a host cell.

A modified organism that contains genetic material from another organism. They often have beneficial traits, like increased crop yield or disease resistance.

The process of altering an organism's genetic makeup to modify its traits.

Bacteria are the most common GMOs because their simple structure permits easy manipulation of their DNA.

The use of genetically modified bacteria to produce hydrocarbons (plastics and fuels) that were previously found only in fossil fuels.

The process of isolating a specific gene from one organism and inserting it into another organism's DNA.

The process of joining DNA fragments together, used in gene transfer to link the desired gene to a plasmid.

Genetically modified crops are engineered to have beneficial traits, such as resistance to insects, herbicides, disease, drought, freeze, and improved yields.

Genetically modified animals could be used to improve livestock production, control diseases, or even create novel animal products.

Bioluminescent animals, like Glofish, are genetically modified to produce light. This is possible by inserting genes that code for light-emitting proteins.

Bioluminescent imaging (BLI) is a technique that uses light-emitting proteins to track biological processes in living organisms. This can be helpful for studying diseases and the development of new therapies.

Fast-growing salmon are genetically modified to produce growth hormones continuously. This results in fish that grow faster than wild salmon, but there are concerns about potential environmental and food safety issues.

Less smelly cows are genetically modified to reduce methane production. Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas, and this modification could help reduce the environmental impact of cattle farming.

One concern about genetically modified foods is whether they are safe for human consumption. There are also concerns about the impact of GMOs on the environment, including the potential for gene flow to wild populations.

Biotechniques are the methods and tools used in genetic engineering. These techniques include gene cloning, gene editing, and DNA sequencing.