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 > |
|---|
so far it seems u can only "trade" parts to different species, i haven't seen any yet that shows creating something 'different' as taking venom from a scorpion or silk from a spider thats all being traded over while none has been added
almost like were given the alphabet and premade words as its going to be hard to make our own letters
oh by the way;;;;;
hiiiii guuuyssss :'))))))
so far it seems u can only "trade" parts to different species, i haven't seen any yet that shows creating something 'different' as taking venom from a scorpion or silk from a spider thats all being traded over while none has been added
almost like were given the alphabet and premade words as its going to be hard to make our own letters
absolutely
i disagree i dont think the world is going to end in 2012
it is all wrong end world 2012
so far it seems u can only "trade" parts to different species, i haven't seen any yet that shows creating something 'different' as taking venom from a scorpion or silk from a spider thats all being traded over while none has been added
almost like were given the alphabet and premade words as its going to be hard to make our own letters
MY NAME IS KRISHTIKA PILLAY AND IAM 16 OF AGE.I STAY IN LAUTOKA IN FIJI ISLANDS.IAM A SCIENCE STUDENT AND I REALLY WANT TO KNOW ABOUT WHAT IS GENETICS ENGINEERING AND CLONING. IT WOULD BE REALLY GREAT IF YOU COULD SEND SOME INFOMATION ON MY EMAIL ADDRESS. THANK YOU.
hi
