Genetic Engineering: What is Genetic Engineering?
Futurist Topics - Biotech
Genetic engineering is the alteration of genetic code by artificial means, and is therefore different from traditional selective breeding.
Genetic engineering examples include taking the gene that programs poison in the tail of a scorpion, and combining it with a cabbage. These genetically modified cabbages kill caterpillers because they have learned to grow scorpion poison (insecticide) in their sap.
Genetic engineering also includes insertion of human genes into sheep so that they secrete alpha-1 antitrypsin in their milk - a useful substance in treating some cases of lung disease.
Genetic engineering has created a chicken with four legs and no wings.
Genetic engineering has created a goat with spider genes that creates "silk" in its milk.
Genetic engineering works because there is one language of life: human genes work in bacteria, monkey genes work in mice and earthworms. Tree genes work in bananas and frog genes work in rice. There is no limit in theory to the potential of genetic engineering.
Genetic engineering has given us the power to alter the very basis of life on earth.
Genetic engineering has been said to be no different than ancient breeding methods but this is untrue. For a start, breeding or cross-breeding, or in-breeding (for example to make pedigree dogs) all work by using the same species. In contrast genetic engineering allows us to combine fish, mouse, human and insect genes in the same person or animal.
Genetic engineering therefore has few limits - except our imagination, and our moral or ethical code.
Genetic engineering makes the whole digital revolution look nothing. Digital technology changes what we do. Genetic engineering has the power to change who we are.
Human cloning is a type of genetic engineering, but is not the same as true genetic manipulation. In human cloning, the aim is to duplicate the genes of an existing person so that an identical set is inside a human egg. The result is intended to be a cloned twin, perhaps of a dead child. Genetic engineering in its fullest form would result in the child produced having unique genes - as a result of laboratory interference, and therefore the child will not be an identikit twin.
Genetic engineering could create crops that grow in desert heat, or without fertiliser. Genetic engineering could make bananas or other fruit which contain vaccines or other medical products.
Genetic engineering will alter the basis of life on earth - permanently - unless controlled. This could happen if - say - mutant viruses, or bacteria, or fish or reptiles are released into the general environment.
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
i had to do this topic for a school project and this really helped me! thanks for the great info. its amazing what interesting things sceintists can do now a days. (:
quit your jibba jabba
i found ur matter quite interesting!
dude im so high to clevend fire is good stuff n ya genetic engineering is sweeet
yeah no. not funny. this is a serious issue.
"Arguing on the internet is like running in the special olympics. Even if you win, you're still retarded." First off, if you're completely stoned, don't tell people that. especially not on a scientific forum. second, dont get completely stoned, and the first wont be a problem. Third, Most of those guys who called the guy that got high a dumbass dont sound too smart themselves. The only one who rebuked the guy and actually sounded intelligent was probably "Rozel." Third: This article is crap... most of the information contained in it is a fallacy, meant only to glorify the name of genetic engineering. I'm all for promoting science and the studies, but I don't want people to be mislead and then disappointed. If you want further citing and explanation on my reasoning, please just ask and I will be happy to provide it.
hi lol wat are u people on man
ur soooo weird
I really like this topic.
I wonder what will hapen if we all play with genes of diferent kind organism?
i dont think thats a good idea i mean we gonna have all these non-human thing walkin round here in stuff not good
can't G.E do something about HIV&AIDS
WTF is wrong with you people? you research genetic engineering while high?
u people are sooo dumb and no one cares if u r high!!!!
lol i agree with you seriously wtf is wrong with you ????????
i just adore this subject! when i read about it i get all tingly inside.. like a natural high...... but i am so high right now like i smoked like 8 blllunts earliiieer like wooow...
who looks up bio wen there high lmao ur real cool
yo
hi
