الخميس، 5 مايو 2016

The History And Applications Of Genetically Modified GMO

By Mary Evans


The eventual downfall of humanity will probably be caused by the achievements in the field of science. Looking at the achievements of genetic modification makes one to think that what people say about the fall of humanity being linked to science is not a farfetched idea after all. Organisms whose genetic content has been altered through techniques of genetic engineering are called genetically modified GMO organisms. Such organisms continue to find use in the modern society every day.

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 team of three scientists was the first to develop a genetically modified plant in 1983. The team was composed of Mary-Dell Chilton, Michael Bevan, and Richard Flavell. Through their experiment, they were able to develop disease resistant variety of tobacco. The invention of a gene gun occurred in 1987 and by the year 2000, the first ever plant with boosted nutrient value was produced.

The process of producing GMOs makes use of processes of gene insertion, mutation, and deletion. Target hosts are inserted with gens through the process of horizontal gene transfer. Horizontal gene transfer can also happen naturally when cell membranes are penetrated by exogenous DNA. Reasons why this happens are diverse. Scientists use different methods of gene modification. The first method has viruses attached with genes. In the second method, nucleus of intended hosts are inserted physically with extra DNA using tiny syringes.

The third method makes use of an electric pulse to introduce DNA from one organism into the cells of others. The fourth method makes use of the gene gun to fire small particles into target hosts. There are other methods that take advantage of natural forms of transferring genes. For instance, the Agrobacterium has the ability to transfer genetic material into plants while lentiviruses have the same capability in animals.

Many applications and industries make use of GMOs. These organisms get used in manufacture of pharmaceutical drugs, agriculture, medical and biological research, and experimental medicine. The development and discovery of cures and treatments for numerous diseases is increasingly relying on GMOs. That is why many animals are being engineered genetically including sheep, rats, and pigs.

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.




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