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Genetic Engineering: What is Genetic Engineering?

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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.

DOING A PROJECT ON GENETIC ENGINEERING?

READ FREE BOOK on Genetic Engineering - by Patrick Dixon, author of 15 books and creator of this website - read now: Chapters 1 and 2 explain basics in way which is easy to understand.

The Genetic Revolution

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There are 70 comments
Ryley
September 26, 2011 - 15:19
Subject:

Hey what's up

tsegsis
July 15, 2011 - 03:24
Subject: Risk...?

how about its risky?

saroj
July 05, 2011 - 23:21
Subject: about genetic engineering

a

Femalex
June 27, 2011 - 13:52
Subject: Hi

Hello I am a student studying animal care and I need to know information about genetic engineering in dogs. I need to know how it is done and why. can someone please send information to my email x

Reply to Femalex
Mohammad Ayoub
July 07, 2011 - 01:06
Subject: Re: Hi

ear sir
it is posible in all kinds of animals without exception and it can done by an expert DVM because of to improve it.

janette
June 22, 2011 - 20:39
Subject:

what's this??

Meseret
May 24, 2011 - 11:12
Subject: 10Q

10Q for this interesting site.

tobikesty
April 18, 2011 - 06:23
Subject:

"Always love like you've never been hurt because every 60 seconds you spend angry or upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back"

unknown
March 09, 2011 - 08:58
Subject:

you guys seriously need to get a life, ur arguing over genetic enginerring.. wow.

Reply to unknown
jenp
March 16, 2011 - 08:56
Subject: ha! you make me laugh

your a funny guy

cat kid
March 03, 2011 - 12:54
Subject: cats

modify cat dna??

Allison Anderson :D
March 03, 2011 - 07:44
Subject: My opinion about genetic engineering

I think genetic engeneering would be good if we could use it with some limits... For example I'd avoid to clone humans or animals, there is a danger that we can change the delicate balance of the environment!

Abuhena
March 02, 2011 - 19:17
Subject: answer

MY NAME IS ABUHENAAND IAM 21 OF AGE.I STAY IN ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY OF KUSHTIA IN BANGLADESH..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.

Megan
February 28, 2011 - 16:17
Subject:

They ask you to comment on their paragraph over genetic engineering. NOT have random conversations on here about stupid stuff!!! They have other cites you can do that on!!!

Anthony Johnson
February 24, 2011 - 10:27
Subject: Need some assistance

Hello! My name is Anthony Johnson and I am a senior student at Patterson High School in Baltimore, MD and I have to complete a senior project on Genetic Engineering and I really need alot of different information. I also could use some sources so could someone point me in the right direction so I can get this done. If you think you can help me out please contact me at a.johnson_1142@yahoo.com
Thank You

sanu
February 23, 2011 - 11:20
Subject: science

it doesnot help me!!!

Matthew DeJong
February 23, 2011 - 08:37
Subject:

Ima be a scientist one day and pwn teh epicness

kajal
February 20, 2011 - 09:10
Subject:

it is really interesting

MUZI CLEARENCE MBEBE
February 17, 2011 - 09:52
Subject: REPLY MUZI

THIS WEBSITE HAS HELPED ME TO UNDERSTAND MORE ABOUT GINETIC ENGINEERING

the girl next door
February 08, 2011 - 20:34
Subject: dont have a subject

kk.. now say:
yay! yay! yay! if you know how to "Q" the cow...

Bartholomew c
February 01, 2011 - 03:45
Subject: Yes

I is very interesting.

dd78
January 20, 2011 - 18:28
Subject:

hi to you too, this website really helped me with my science work. thanks!

millie
January 18, 2011 - 04:40
Subject:

this website is really good x helped me lot thanks x

Arpan Gelal
January 15, 2011 - 03:52
Subject:

i love genetic engeneering and want some help to make my future on this grand subject

herby
December 29, 2010 - 16:57
Subject: GM

I wnted to know which islands supported GM?

me
December 08, 2010 - 16:20
Subject: genitic enginering

i like the sight and i think it is helpful for my project on Genetic Enginering. thank u it is one thing that will make me closer to the end of my project.

yama
December 08, 2010 - 15:04
Subject: Genitic enginering

NO but good web-site

Smileyy.(:
December 01, 2010 - 11:28
Subject:

Shacalaca.
Ding-Dongg.
:DD

Sarah
November 29, 2010 - 20:19
Subject:

Im in the 10 grade and we have to do a really detailed essay on this, stem cell research, cloning, and agricultural biotechnology...this has helped

OWUSUAA 4rm GHANA
November 26, 2010 - 04:01
Subject: genetic engineering

i really think this should be abolished because it does not allow each of the 2 genetically modified organisms to be unique 2 function to its full potential. What do you think? KRISHTICA i suggest you goggle everything you need about genetic engineering & you'll find it.

carol walton
November 15, 2010 - 14:11
Subject: Genetic Engineering

WHAT IS GENETIC ENGINEERING? AND WHAT IS THE IMPROTANT ABOUT GENETIC ENGINEERING?

THANKS

look out blow
November 09, 2010 - 13:56
Subject: hi

genetic engineering!

Mitocondria Planterium
November 08, 2010 - 15:20
Subject: I dont aprove

I DO NOT APROVE!

Reply to Mitocondria Planterium
hello mitocondria planterium
November 29, 2010 - 06:45
Subject: Re: I dont aprove

OK calm down !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Reply to Mitocondria Planterium
tam
November 29, 2010 - 12:44
Subject: Re: I dont aprove

why but they are also helping cure diseases

ajay meena
November 08, 2010 - 02:51
Subject: ordinary blood

how can u prevent bood in genetic scientist?
so please ucan fast answer......................

school cool
November 03, 2010 - 17:01
Subject: good

hi im saying that this website has a lot of good clues!!!!!!!!!!!

Reply to school cool
boffin boi
November 29, 2010 - 06:46
Subject: Re: good

i totally agree

school cool
November 03, 2010 - 17:01
Subject: good

hi im saying that this website has a lot of good clues!!!!!!!!!!!

fagio
November 02, 2010 - 08:42
Subject: idiots

world ends soon

Stephaniee Denisee
November 01, 2010 - 12:24
Subject: PLEASE REPLY BEFORE FRIDAYY

I NEED MORE INFO ON GENETIC ENGINEERING BEFOE FRIDAYY BECAUSE IM DOING A REALLY BIG PROJECT ON THIS tHANXX

Daisy
October 13, 2010 - 09:03
Subject:

thanks you this helped me a lot with my science project thanks you

Reply to Daisy
sidra
November 14, 2010 - 09:14
Subject:

Same thing! daisy it also helped ME a lottttttttttttttttt!!!!!!!!!!

Reply to Daisy
jayquan
December 02, 2010 - 12:37
Subject:

thanks alot it really help

yea
September 28, 2010 - 10:12
Subject: ummm

hello people this is fake and stupid........you have to be a complete idiot to believe this

Reply to yea
Seriously
November 01, 2010 - 22:02
Subject: Re: ummm

You must be an idiot if you think this is fake...do some research

Reply to yea
brooklyn
November 03, 2010 - 07:11
Subject: girl stop

ummmm.... you might wanna go home and look in the mirror before you start calling people an idiot...unless your ugly butt broke em all. if you dont like genetics then why in the heck are you on this site. get a life, a job, and a man!!!!!

Reply to yea
vhfsgdsfg
November 09, 2010 - 12:24
Subject: Re: ummm

hahahahahah more like your the idiot, idiot

Reply to yea
someone
February 21, 2011 - 11:06
Subject: Re: ummm

No its real

faggie-waggie
September 09, 2010 - 13:12
Subject: thanks

nice info you helped me on my science courswork big time man :::::)))))) thanks alot its good information and i hope to get some nice grades ::PP

Babel Fish
August 23, 2010 - 05:20
Subject: Nice..

Cool info. It helped me heaps with my science assignment :/

Jude Onovo
August 19, 2010 - 17:06
Subject: science

i Am 21 year Old and will be happy if i am giving the opportunity of studying genetic mutation and engineering in any school in your country in form of scholarship. i dont mind working for your country after i am trained. i am a science student and am too inquisitive for discoveries. Jude from Nigeria

Reply to Jude Onovo
Jennifer Sullivan
December 03, 2010 - 13:33
Subject: Re: science

Excuse me, but you must not be in a religious position if you believe that this is correct. "You do not mind working in our country"? Well perhaps we do not want you to work in our country if you are morally and spiritually incorrect and will help in the destruction in our country. Genetic mutation is exactly how it sounds. A mutation. It is not a "beautiful creation" or any of that misunderstanding bull. It is a game that scientists play in order to get their little awards. God did not create these things this way. They are what they are for a reason. Ever heard the phrase "science only goes so far and then comes God"? Science can only go so far in its limitations before they hit a brick wall. God created those animals to be the way that He functional them to be, not puppets of scientist.

Reply to Jude Onovo
Liam Bell
January 29, 2011 - 10:43
Subject: Re: science

Well Jenifer if you really believe in god then maybe should believe that he will not let GM happen and get on with your life instead of sitting at your computer trying to start arguments with sceince students

anonymous
July 09, 2010 - 03:42
Subject: hi joe blow

hello

nakita
July 05, 2010 - 05:28
Subject: my information

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 :'))))))

Nakita
July 05, 2010 - 05:27
Subject: my information

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

Reply to Nakita
McGucas
December 10, 2010 - 14:35
Subject: Re: my information

Hey i understand what you are saying but by trading those traits and by doing this we will have the same organism but it will be more enhanced and it will screw up the food chain in our ecosytem

myself
July 05, 2010 - 05:26
Subject: heeeeey

heeeey jow blow you okay? genetic engerneering is cooool, abit like; charlotte,mitch&ofc Myself :)
Ta Ta For Now :'D

Jakier
June 29, 2010 - 08:49
Subject: hello

im black, and i want to know why my kids turned out white, can u please explain with your genetic engeneering. please reply soon, thank you.

shakti pal singh
June 20, 2010 - 09:36
Subject: diploma in genetic engg

dear sir,
i am 14 yaers old and reading in 8th closs in india. i like to persue diploma in genetic engineering within india or outside india immediatley after passing 10th class. please guide me in this regard.
shaktipal

matt
May 28, 2010 - 12:22
Subject: yes

absolutely

Reply to matt
jimmy
July 14, 2010 - 05:53
Subject: Re: yes

i disagree i dont think the world is going to end in 2012

daniel harvey
May 25, 2010 - 08:37
Subject: oh

it is all wrong end world 2012

Reply to daniel harvey
brooklyn
November 03, 2010 - 07:16
Subject: dumbash

um, you dont know what your talking about. the world is not going to end in 2012!!!!! and even if it does, so what???? the worlds going to hell and ima b the one driving the bus!!! get used to it or dont comment shiz like that.

zach
May 17, 2010 - 17:24
Subject: neet

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

krishtika pillay
May 04, 2010 - 19:39
Subject: REPLY SOON

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.

Reply to krishtika pillay
liam foster
November 29, 2010 - 06:44
Subject: Re: REPLY SOON

i dont have a clue

joe blow
August 27, 2008 - 21:04
Subject: hi

hi

Reply to joe blow
Ashle001
February 21, 2011 - 11:07
Subject: Re: hi

Hello

We welcome lively debate. Have your say here.



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