Genetic Engineering & Cloning: Processes, Uses, and Ethics

Obtaining Transgenic Organisms: The Process

In the first stage of processing, the desired gene needs to be introduced into the genome of a cell from the organism you wish to modify.

Stage 1: Gene Introduction and Preparation

1. All DNA is extracted from the cell into which the gene of interest will be transferred.
2. The gene is located, and the precise DNA fragment containing it is extracted by cutting.
3. The gene is cloned, as it is impossible to work with a single copy.
4. Other fragments are amended by adding exogenous genes to facilitate the subsequent reading of the formed recombinant DNA. This is sometimes referred to as goblins.
5. The transgene is introduced into the nucleus of the cell to be modified. For this, a vector is often used, which is typically a small DNA molecule (like bacterial plasmids or viruses) that can easily move from one cell to another. Direct infection is also possible.
6. It is verified that the transgene has been incorporated and is capable of expressing the information (e.g., manufacturing a poison against a specific pest). A marker gene, which confers resistance to an antibiotic, is usually incorporated into the cell to aid in identification.

Stage 2: Regeneration and Development

In the second stage, or regeneration, a complete plant or animal is obtained from the modified cell. This stage, according to the genome, requires the use of cloning techniques.

Nuclear Transfer and Cloning Process

1. A differentiated cell is obtained from the individual to be cloned. This cell contains the entire genome of the organism, similar to a zygote, with the difference that under natural conditions, it has lost the ability to reproduce.
2. An egg is extracted from a female donor.
3. The egg's nucleus is removed.
4. The nucleus of the differentiated cell is transferred into the enucleated egg.
5. The cell is grown in the laboratory in a special medium until the embryo begins to develop.
6. When the morula stage is reached, it is transferred to the uterus of a recipient mother.
7. After the gestation period, a new individual is born that is a clone of the organism that provided the nucleus and thus the genetic information.

Applications and Ethical Considerations of Cloning

• Agriculture & Livestock: Obtain copies of animals or plants with desirable features to maintain specific characteristics, for example, transgenic animals.
• Research: Provide identical laboratory animals that can be used as models for studying human diseases.
• Ecology: Aid in the preservation of endangered species and even raise the possibility of cloning extinct species.
• Medicine: Obtain organs for transplantation by cloning animals. Research aims to prevent the rejection of these organs by the human immune system.