Biological & Pharmaceutical Sciences

Genetic Engineering

Genetic engineering is also called as genetic modification and it is the direct manipulation of an organism's genes using biotechnology. It is a set of technologies used to change the genetic makeup of cells, which includes the transfer of genes within and across species boundaries to produce enhanced or novel organisms. New DNA is obtained by either isolating or copying the genetic material of interest using recombinant DNA methods or by artificially synthesizing the DNA.

Genetic engineering is used to strengthen or alter the characteristics of an individual organism. Creation of genetically modified organisms requires recombinant DNA. Recombinant DNA is a amalgamation of DNA from different organisms or different locations in a given genome that would not normally be found in nature. In most cases, use of recombinant DNA means that you have added an extra gene to an organism to alter a trait or add a new trait. Some uses of genetic engineering include improving the nutritional quality of food, creating pest-resistant crops, and creating infection-resistant livestock.