Cape Malay Lamb Meatloaf

Ground lamb rather than beef, pork, or veal – baked with a mixture of South African spices ...

Apple Cheddar Bread

Even though there is some sugar in this quick, non-yeast bread, the tart apple and the cheddar cheese ...

Cappuccino Bread Pudding

Better than a morning cup of coffee or an afternoon latte, this pudding is your coffee and sweet ...


Do you think that these are the best solutions :

samedi 7 mai 2016

Basics About Genetically Modified GMO

By Mary Evans


It is a common saying that advancements in science may be the cause of eventual downfall of man. This statement may actually be true considering what science is able to achieve through genetic modification of organisms. Genetically modified GMO refer to organisms that have had their genetic materials modified or altered through the use of genetic engineering techniques. These organisms find a lot of use in the world of research and many other industries.

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.

A plant that is modified genetically was first created by a three scientists in 1983. Michael Bevan, Richard Flavell, and Mary-Dell Chilton were the members of the team. Their experiments led to the creation of disease-resistant variety of tobacco. In 1987, gene guns were invented and plants with improved nutrient value first got introduced in 2000.

The process of producing organisms with modified genes involves process of gene deletion, insertion, and mutation. Genes from a different species are inserted in the form of horizontal transfer of genes. This can occur naturally if for any reason exogenous DNA penetrates cell membrane. Gene modification may be done through various ways. First, the genes may be attached to viruses. Secondly, a very small syringe may be used to physically insert extra DNA into the nucleus of the target host.

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.

Like stated earlier, GMOs find a lot of use in various industries and applications. They are used in agriculture, experimental medicine, medical and biological research, and in producing pharmaceutical drugs. GMOs are becoming more important in the efforts of discovering and developing treatment and cures for many serious medical conditions. To that end, many different animals have been engineered genetically including sheep, pigs, and rats.

Many governments are involved in the regulation of how genetic modification of animals is done. Each country has different standards for regulation. Some of the major differences in government regulation are between European countries and the United States. Regulation is often dependent on the intended use of the GMO developed.




About the Author:



0 commentaires:

Enregistrer un commentaire


Do you think that these are the best solutions :