Applications of genetic engineering
Genetic engineering is a major implement in all fields of life because of its numerous applications. Scientists have gained access to study the genetic makeup of organisms and are now able to treat hereditary diseases, make therapeutic products and do research about laboratory techniques with the help of genetic engineering. Many processes of reducing environmental pollution and making the environment clean are being tried by the use of genetically engineered microorganisms. In the agricultural field, such techniques are applied through which crops with high quality, more yield and low cost are being cultivated. Genetic engineering also has many applications in the food industry due to the production of genetically modified enzymes and microorganisms (used in fermentation processes).
Below are some common applications of genetic engineering;
In Medicine;
Gene Mapping/ Linkage Mapping describes on which chromosome a specific gene is present and tells the exact location of a gene on a chromosome. It also tells the distance between two genes.
Gene Therapy is a technique in which faulty or abnormal genes are replaced with normal genes. Gene therapy is used to detect and treat various genetic disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Tay–Sachs disease, Thalassemia, Haemophilia, Turner syndrome, Huntington’s disease, etc.
DNA Fingerprinting: DNA fingerprinting is used in forensic labs to detect criminals, paternity/maternity testing, and individual recognition. It is also used to study gene mutations and inherited disorders.
Vaccines: Through genetic engineering, scientists have made a wide variety of vaccines including some edible vaccines which are transferred to living organisms to boost their immune system so that they may fight against viral infections.
Therapeutic Products: The production of therapeutic products such as recombinant insulin, hemoglobin, human protein C, vaccines, growth hormones, lactoferrin, fibrinogen blood clotting factor, tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-2, Taxol, interferon, etc. is the result of genetic engineering.
Personalized Medical Treatment: By identifying individuals’ genetic makeup, scientists have attained the ability to understand the reactions of different medicines in their bodies and by using the technique of genetic engineering, they can make precision medicines to reduce the severe effects of medicines.
In Environment;
Bioremediation: Genetic engineering plays a crucial role in reducing environmental pollution. Antimicrobial metabolites are used to clean up the contaminants from soil, water and other environments which can kill pathogens and provide safety from diseases.
Protection of Ecosystems: Genetic engineering helps in the protection of ecosystems by introducing new genes in small populations. These new genes can increase genetic diversity. Genetic engineering also introduces organisms that can survive in changing environments and have disease resistance.
Carbon Capture: Through genetic engineering, scientists have introduced genetically engineered plants and algae which can store carbon dioxide in high amounts and cause a huge reduction in environmental pollution.
Genetically Modified Microorganisms: Genetic engineering has produced genetically modified microorganisms such as bacteria, algae and fungi by using CRISPR-Cas9 technology through which the genetic makeup of microorganisms can be altered. The proteins of desirable characteristics are introduced into these microorganisms which can degrade oil spills, halobenzoates, decane, hexane, octane, toluene, xylenes, naphthalene and heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium and copper, etc. at a greater speed. The best example of a genetically modified microorganism is _Pseudomonas putida_ ( commonly called superbug) which is an excellent agent for the removal of pollutants from the environment.
In agriculture;
Crop Improvement: Genetic engineering has revolutionized the field of agriculture by improving crops. The crops are genetically modified to attain desirable characteristics such as more yield, better quality, good appearance and more nutrition.
Insect Resistance: Insect-resistant crops contain the cry gene of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt cotton) which is toxic for many harmful insects but not for beneficial insects.
Herbicide Resistance: Genetic engineering has produced herbicide-resistant plants which can resist herbicides. E.g. Glyphosate resistant petunia and tobacco plants.
Virus Resistance: By insertion of coat protein gene, scientists have generated virus-resistant plants. Examples of virus resistant plants are potatoes, papaya, squash, melon, and other cucurbits.
Harsh Environment Resistance: Genetic engineering has helped in managing harsh environmental conditions such as drought, salinity, high temperature and flooding by incorporating desirable genes in crops.
In Food;
Genetically Engineered Enzymes: Naturally occurring enzymes have limitations in quality, quantity and functionality. But with the increase in need of uncontrolled population, it was difficult for scientists to meet the demands of overpopulation for food. Therefore, scientists produced genetically engineered enzymes by altering the genome of microorganisms which can produce enzymes with desirable characteristics. These enzymes have multiple functions like producing more yield, the ability to work in extreme temperatures and the ability to work more efficiently. The most commonly used genetically engineered enzymes are alpha-amylases, proteases, chymosin, pepsin, trypsin lipases etc.
Fermentation: genetic engineering has improved fermentation by making the processes simpler and reliable and by improving the quality of products, minimizing byproducts and increasing the ability of microorganisms to work under severe conditions such as high temperatures, pH, pressure and other environmental conditions.
Genetically Modified Foods Products: Certain types of foods and crops are genetically modified to increase quality, nutrition, preservation and resistance to pests, insects and herbicides.
The most common genetically modified food products and crops are potato, pumpkin, alfalfa, sugar beet, papaya, oilseed, maize, corn, soya beans, cotton and tomatoes, rice, apples, green Zucchini, flax, sugar Cane, and dairy products.
Questions may come up
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of genetic engineering?
- What are the benefits of genetics?Why is genetic technology important?
- How is genetic engineering used in real life?
- What is genetic engineering and its application class 12?
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