Genetic Engineering

General Biology II

What is genetic engineering?

Genetic engineering is the direct modification of an organism’s genome, which is the list of specific traits (genes) stored in the DNA.

Changing the genome enables engineers to give desirable properties to different organisms.

Organisms created by genetic engineering are called genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

History of GMO Development

1973: created first genetically modified bacteria

1974: created GM mice

1982: first commercial development of GMOs (insulin-producing bacteria)

1994: began to sell genetically modified food

2003: began to sell GMOs as pets (Glofish)

E.coli -> used vector -> carry proteins -> frog

What is the GMO process?

• All genetic changes affect the protein synthesis of the organism.

• By changing which proteins are produced, genetic engineers can affect the overall traits of the organism.

• Genetic modification can be completed by a number of different methods:

• Inserting new genetic material randomly or in targeted locations

• Direct replacement of genes (recombination)

• Removal of genes

• Mutation of existing genes

GMO Bacteria

Bacteria are the most common GMOs because their simple structure permits easy manipulation of their DNA.

One of the most interesting uses for genetically modified bacteria is the production of hydrocarbons (plastics and fuels) usually only found in fossil fuels.

• Cyanobacteria have been modified to produce plastic (polyethylene) and fuel (butanol) as byproducts of photosynthesis

• E.Coli bacteria have been modified to produce diesel fuel

Banana Vaccines 

Modified virus injected in sapling tree causes the bananas to contain virus proteins

Venomous Cabbage

Scorpion genes added to the cabbage prevent insects from eating it

Other Reasons to Genetically Modify Crops

• Insect Resistant

• Herbicide resistant

• Drought/freeze resistant

• Disease resistant

• Higher yield

• Faster growth

• Improved nutrition

• Longer shelf life

Fast-Growing Salmon

Genes from two other fish cause this salmon to continually produce growth hormones

Less Smelly Cows

Modifying bacteria responsible for methane production in cattle results in 25% less-flatulent cows.