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.
Experiments conducted in 1973 by Stanley Cohen and Herbert Boyer led to the creation of the first GMO. Transgenic mouse was later developed by Rudolf Jaenisch. Transgenic mouse resulted from insertion of foreign DNA into the embryo. Mice that could transmit their transgenes into subsequent generations were produced eight years later after the first transgenic mouse was developed.
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.
The process of producing GMOs makes use of processes of gene insertion, mutation, and deletion. Target hosts are inserted with gens through the process of horizontal gene transfer. Horizontal gene transfer can also happen naturally when cell membranes are penetrated by exogenous DNA. Reasons why this happens are diverse. Scientists use different methods of gene modification. The first method has viruses attached with genes. In the second method, nucleus of intended hosts are inserted physically with extra DNA using tiny syringes.
The third method involves the utilization of electric pulses to introduce DNA into organisms from various sources. The use of gene gun represents the fourth method. The gun fires tiny particles into intended hosts. Other natural methods for transferring genes also exist. For example, the Agrobacterium is capable of transferring genetic material into plants whereas lentiviruses can do the same thing in animals.
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 place strict regulation on genetic modification of organisms. Regulation standards vary from one country to another. For instance, how the United States regulates this industry is very different from how European nations do it. Often regulation is dependent on the purpose for developing the organisms.
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.
Experiments conducted in 1973 by Stanley Cohen and Herbert Boyer led to the creation of the first GMO. Transgenic mouse was later developed by Rudolf Jaenisch. Transgenic mouse resulted from insertion of foreign DNA into the embryo. Mice that could transmit their transgenes into subsequent generations were produced eight years later after the first transgenic mouse was developed.
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.
The process of producing GMOs makes use of processes of gene insertion, mutation, and deletion. Target hosts are inserted with gens through the process of horizontal gene transfer. Horizontal gene transfer can also happen naturally when cell membranes are penetrated by exogenous DNA. Reasons why this happens are diverse. Scientists use different methods of gene modification. The first method has viruses attached with genes. In the second method, nucleus of intended hosts are inserted physically with extra DNA using tiny syringes.
The third method involves the utilization of electric pulses to introduce DNA into organisms from various sources. The use of gene gun represents the fourth method. The gun fires tiny particles into intended hosts. Other natural methods for transferring genes also exist. For example, the Agrobacterium is capable of transferring genetic material into plants whereas lentiviruses can do the same thing in animals.
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 place strict regulation on genetic modification of organisms. Regulation standards vary from one country to another. For instance, how the United States regulates this industry is very different from how European nations do it. Often regulation is dependent on the purpose for developing the organisms.
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