"The modification and manipulation of an organism's genes using technology."
The process of manipulating genes and genomes to develop new organisms, modify existing ones, or design useful products or applications.
Genetic code: The genetic code is a set of rules that define how an organism's DNA is translated into proteins.
DNA replication: DNA replication is the process by which a cell copies its DNA prior to cell division.
Gene expression: Gene expression is the process by which genetic information is used to produce a functional gene product, such as a protein.
Genome sequencing: Genome sequencing is the process of determining the complete DNA sequence of an organism's genome.
Restriction enzymes: Restriction enzymes are enzymes that cut DNA at specific sites, allowing scientists to manipulate DNA sequences.
Cloning: Cloning is the process of creating identical copies of an organism or cell.
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR): PCR is a method used to amplify specific DNA sequences.
Gene editing: Gene editing is a technique used to modify DNA sequences within an organism's genome.
Genetic modification: Genetic modification is the process of altering the genetic makeup of an organism.
CRISPR-Cas9: CRISPR-Cas9 is a gene editing technology that allows scientists to precisely modify DNA sequences within an organism's genome.
Genetic disease: Genetic diseases are conditions caused by mutations in an individual's DNA.
Genetic engineering in plants: Genetic engineering in plants involves modifying the DNA of plants to enhance their desirable traits.
Genetic engineering in animals: Genetic engineering in animals involves modifying the DNA of animals for research or for improving human health.
Biotechnology: Biotechnology is the application of biological processes to the development of products and technologies.
Ethics and regulation of genetic engineering: Ethics and regulation of genetic engineering involve the consideration of the social, ethical, and legal implications of the use of genetic engineering techniques.
Gene editing: It is the process of manipulating or modifying the DNA sequence of an organism using molecular biology tools such as CRISPR or TALENs. Gene editing can be used to introduce, delete or modify certain genes, which can offer a wide range of benefits to different organisms.
Genome sequencing: Genome sequencing is the process of determining the complete DNA sequence of an organism. This process allows researchers to identify genes that may influence a particular trait or disease and develop treatments or solutions accordingly.
Gene therapy: This technology involves the gene transfer of healthy genes to replace damaged or mutated ones, which can cure or treat genetic disorders. It can be done by introducing the gene directly into a patient's cell (in vivo gene therapy) or molecularly modifying and growing the patient's cell and then returning it to the individual (ex vivo gene therapy).
Transgenic technology: Transgenic technology involves the transfer of DNA sequences from one species to another or the insertion of foreign genes into the DNA of an organism. This technique is often used to develop crops with specific traits or make disease-resistant animals.
Cloning: Cloning is the process of creating genetically identical copies of an organism using a single cell or a fragment of a cell. Cloning has been used to reproduce plants, animals, and even human tissues for medical research.
Synthetic biology: Synthetic biology is an interdisciplinary field that combines biology and engineering. It is the design and construction of artificial biological systems or organisms that do not exist in nature. Researchers can use this to design new metabolic pathways or to create artificial cells.
Gene expression profiling: Gene expression profiling is a technique that measures the activity of genes in an organism. Researchers use this to identify the genes or pathways that are activated or suppressed when a particular organism is exposed to certain conditions, which can help discover critical paths in disease pathologies, responding to treatments or medication, and more.
RNA interference (RNAi): RNAi is a natural biological process that allows cells to regulate gene expression. Researchers use it to silence genes responsible for disease, such as cancer, through the introduction of small RNA molecules that interfere with the target gene's expression.
Functional genomics: It's a research field that seeks to understand the biological functions of every gene in an organism's genome. Researchers use a combination of experimental and computational methods to study how particular genes interact and gives information about metabolism and regulation mechanisms.
Epigenetic engineering: Epigenetic engineering involves modifying the instructions that read the genomic sequence as it changes how genes activate or repress, resulting in changes to an organism's phenotype. Hormone, diet, and environmental factors can trigger epigenetic changes.
"It is a set of technologies used to change the genetic makeup of cells, including the transfer of genes within and across species boundaries."
"New DNA is obtained by either isolating and copying the genetic material of interest using recombinant DNA methods or by artificially synthesizing the DNA."
"The first recombinant DNA molecule was made by Paul Berg in 1972."
"An organism that is generated through genetic engineering is considered to be genetically modified (GM) and the resulting entity is a genetically modified organism (GMO)."
"Rudolf Jaenisch created the first GM animal when he inserted foreign DNA into a mouse in 1974."
"Genetically engineered human insulin was produced in 1978."
"The Flavr Savr tomato, engineered to have a longer shelf life, was released in 1994."
"Most current GM crops are modified to increase resistance to insects and herbicides."
"In addition to producing hormones, vaccines, and other drugs, genetic engineering has the potential to cure genetic diseases through gene therapy."
"GMOs are used to study gene function and expression through loss of function, gain of function, tracking, and expression experiments."
"The same techniques used to produce drugs can also have industrial applications such as producing enzymes for laundry detergent, cheeses, and other products."
"The rise of commercialized genetically modified crops has provided economic benefit to farmers in many different countries."
"Genetic engineering has been the source of most of the controversy surrounding the technology."
"There is a scientific consensus that currently available food derived from GM crops poses no greater risk to human health than conventional food."
"Gene flow, impact on non-target organisms, control of the food supply, and intellectual property rights have also been raised as potential issues."
"The development of a regulatory framework started in 1975."
"The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, adopted in 2000, addresses biosafety for genetically modified organisms."
"Individual countries have developed their own regulatory systems regarding GMOs, with the most marked differences occurring between the US and Europe."
"The first company to focus on genetic engineering, Genentech, was founded in 1976."