Advances in Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Applications

Applications of Modern Genetics

• Diagnosis and prevention of genetic diseases.
• Gene Therapy: Treatment of diseases by modifying genes.
• Design of more efficient medicines, enabling personalized treatment.
• New research into human genetics.

Genetic Engineering (GE)

Definition of Genetic Engineering

Techniques used to manipulate genetic material to change an organism's traits.

Stages of Genetic Engineering

1. The gene is located.
2. The gene is isolated. Enzymes are used to cut the DNA in specific places.
3. The gene is attached to a DNA molecule (vector) from a bacterium or a virus to transport it. Recombinant DNA (rDNA) is formed.
4. The rDNA is inserted into a cell so that it can be expressed and synthesize the corresponding protein.

Key Uses of Genetic Engineering

• Biological Research: Human genes are inserted into animal cells to research diseases such as cancer.
• Police Investigation and Forensic Medicine: Suspects and victims of a crime can be identified by their DNA.
• Paternity Testing: Paternity can be investigated using DNA samples.
• Historical and archaeological studies.

Impacts of Genetic Engineering

• Genetic engineering is already being used to modify animals and plants.
• The development of plant varieties resistant to particular types of insects reduces the use of insecticides.
• Genetically modified bacteria are used to produce biodegradable plastic.

Biotechnology

Definition and Types

Biotechnology is a type of technology which uses living organisms and their biological processes to create improved products that are beneficial for humans.

Traditional Biotechnology

Based on the use of microorganisms to obtain useful products:

• In the Food Industry: To make bread, dairy products, and alcoholic drinks.
• In the Pharmaceutical Industry: To make vaccines and antibiotics.
• In the Chemical Industry: To make chemical products.
• In Environmental Conservation: To treat rubbish and sewage.

Modern Biotechnology

Applications of Modern Biotechnology

Agricultural and Livestock Uses

• Cloning: Consists of creating various copies of a gene or obtaining genetically identical organisms.
• Creating Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).

Process for Creating Insect-Resistant Plants (GMO Example)

1. A piece of DNA is selected and cut, which carries the gene for synthesizing an insecticide substance.
2. The DNA of the bacteria is inserted into the plant cell.
3. The genetic material of the bacteria is inserted into the DNA of the plant.
4. The plants are grown in the laboratory.
5. The process results in plants that are resistant to insects.