Genetic Engineering

I m pretty sure you must have heard this term at least once, either in your biology lessons or while catching up on the latest corona virus update and if not here you must have must have heard the term in sci-fi movies(.Genetics literally forms the basis of most sci_fi movies!!) SO what does it mean?Genetic Engineering refers to the deliberate modification of characteristics of an organism by manipulating its genetic material. In today's world genetics is one of the most advancing fields of biology.The origins of genetics lie in the theory of evolution proposed by Charles Darwin. The history of genetics dates back to the classical era with contributions by Aristotle,Epicurus and many others.Modern genetics started with the work of Charles Darwin and Gregor Johann Mendal. The field of genetic engineering unravels the hidden code present in our cells which instruct the teeny tiny cells of our body to carry out the highly complex functions in our bodies such as digestion and diffusion of carbon dioxide and oxygen.

As you know it is the nucleus in the cell that regulates all our bodies functions. The nucleus contains chromosomes which have DNA(deoxyribonucleic acid).Like the one ring of power in Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings", (DNA) is the master molecule of every cell. It contains vital information that gets passed on to each successive generation. It coordinates the making of itself as well as other molecules (proteins).The DNA structure is basically in the form of a twisted ladder. It is made of nitrogen and phosphate bases. These bases are arranged in sequences which contain the instructions to make specific types of proteins, they also define everything about us i.e the color of our eyes,our hair, our height and even our body structure.

Scientists have found ways through which we can alter and modify these genetic sequences to produce species with more desirable characteristics . A few examples of genetically modified animals are-

Goats-Goats have been genetically engineered to produce milk with strong spiderweb-like silk proteins in their milk.]The goat gene sequence has been modified, using fresh umbilical cords taken from kids, in order to code for the human enzyme lysozyme. Researchers wanted to alter the milk produced by the goats, to contain lysozyme in order to fight off bacteria causing diarrhea in humans.

Enviropig- genetically enhanced line of Yorkshire pigs in Canada, created with the capability of digesting plant phosphorus more efficiently than conventional Yorkshire pigs. These pigs excreted about 30 to 70 % phosphorus then normal pigs.The lower concentrations of phosphorus in surface(Which contained pig excreta) runoff reduces algal growth, because phosphorus is the limiting nutrient for algae.Because algae consume large amounts of oxygen, excessive growth can result in dead zones for fish. Funding for the Enviropig program ended in April 2012,and as no new partners were found the pigs were killed.]However, the genetic material will be stored at the Canadian Agricultural Genetics Repository Program.

Cows- researchers have developed GM dairy cattle to grow without horns which can cause injuries to farmers and other animals. in 2011 Chinese scientists generated cows which could produce milk the same as the milk produced by mothers in humans.This could potentially help mothers who wanted their babies to have breast milk rather than formulas.

Many scientists have argued weather the genetic alteration of animals was ethical or not. Although modifications of animals have increased significantly over the years the use of this technology brings with it several ethical issues such as the" state of the animal…how an animal is coping with the conditions in which it lives...."this raised concern in many scientists , veterinarians and of course animal lovers.The generation of a new genetically engineered line of animals often involves the sacrifice of some animals and surgical procedures (for example, vasectomy, surgical embryo transfer) on others. These procedures are not unique to genetically engineered animals, but they are typically required for their production. This was considered invasive.Large number of animals are required for these genetic experiments. Therefore production of genetically enhanced species was considered unethical and harmful for the animals

Scientists have also been able to modify crops to resist insects ,and pathogens, produce larger yields and better quality of seeds. There large number of genetically modified crops in our world today which are able to feed the growing population of today's world. The largest producers of GMO's (genetically modified organisms) are the United states ,Brazil and Argentina followed by India and Canada. These crops have helped us from preventing hunger and famines. One things for sure , in the near future we are going to be seeing a lot more of genetically modified organism. And most of them will find a way to our plates!!!