Genetic Engineering Technology - 1689 Words

Modern genetic engineering technologies are advancing, and genetically modifying a genome is becoming a reality. The Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated system (CAS9) genome editing system is the most advanced in use. CRISPR can edit a genome more accurately and with higher precision than any other system. The intended use of the CRISPR/CAS9 system is to insert a gene, delete a gene, or silence a gene, leading to powerful applications (Christensen and Choy 2017a). For example, scientists plan to use this technology to change the genome and resulting phenotype in the efforts to eliminate potentially lethal diseases. One such disease is Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired†¦show more content†¦CRISPR was first exploited in 2007, by a food ingredient company. Their focus was on applications of the system to fermented milk bacteria (Streptococcus thermophilus) in the production of yogurt and cheese. By utilizing the CRISPR system, the company was able to vaccinate the bacteria used in their product against unwanted bacteriophages (Stachler and Marchfelder 2016a). Since then, the greater applications of the system have been realized. CRISPR is an adaptive natural immune system used by bacteria to protect against bacteriophages that replicate within the bacterium. It starts when a bacteriophage lands on the membrane of a bacterium cell, where it injects its DNA into the cell. Shortly after the DNA is injected, the infected bacterium detects the presence of bacteriophage DNA, leading to a production of a complex. The complex consists of the CAS9 nuclease and a twenty-base sequence short guide RNA known as sgRNA. The complex wraps around the bacteriophage DNA, and travels along until it reaches a targeted sequence indicated by the RNA. The sgRNA searches for complementary bases, only attaching at that region of the genome, ensuring the proper location. Upon reaching the location, the CAS9 enzyme will proceed to make a double stranded cleave through the DNA, disabling the bacteriophage and protecting the bacteria (Richter et al. 2012a). Bioengineers have generated a custom sgRNA within a CAS9 nuclease to search for a specific gene location within theShow MoreRelatedGenetic Engineering : An Unnatural Cell Invasion Technology2277 Words   |  10 PagesGenetic engineering is a complex environmental health issue that presents several benefits and risks to both consumers and the environment. Genetic engineering is a technique used to produce genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which are genetically altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating or natural recombination (WHO, 2014). In other words, genetic engineering is an unnatural cell invasion technology. This technology is used to grow genetically modified (GM) plants, which areRead MoreGenetic Engineering : A New Technology1311 Words   |  6 PagesGenetic Engineering Genetic engineering is a new technology that is not utilized to its full potential. Often called modern biotechnology, genetic engineering can bring humanity into a better medical and agricultural age. Genetic engineering is an important scientific breakthrough because by altering DNA, scientists can improve food, create organs for transplant, and prevent certain diseases and birth defects. The field of genetic engineering has developed very quickly due to the greater understandingRead MoreGenetic Engineering : Technology, Equipment, And Experimentation Essay1678 Words   |  7 Pagesdoesn’t seem realistic in this day and age, but this is what our world is heading towards due to enhancements in scientific knowledge, technology, equipment and experimentation. This enables these scientists to undergo the delicate process used to enhance the characteristics of the individual. This process is known as genetic engineering. The aim of genetic engineering is to add new genes that have not been found in the individual. This could involve changing a base pair A-T or C-G in the DNA. In orderRead MoreReaction Paper On Genetic Engineering Technology741 Words   |  3 PagesWhat is I told you I could take your eyes and make them green, blue, even hazel?What if I said that all this could be done with a genetic engineering technology called CRISPR. CRISPR is a relatively new technology that can do just that and more†¦Now when I say CRISPR most people automatically think about the area in the fridge where vegetables are stored, but its more than that and its going to change the world right before our changing eyes. Traditionally, we had only a handful of ways that couldRead MoreGenetic Engineering : A World Where Autism And Downs Syndrome1270 Words   |  6 PagesGenetic Engineering Imagine a world where autism and downs syndrome are a thing of the past, and where there is no shortage on food for anybody. Over the years mankind has developed and improved technology to save more and more lives through the manipulation of the DNA that makes up all living organisms. However, there are those who oppose this approach. Despite the risks and ethical concerns, genetic engineering holds the potential to benefit humanity through both direct and indirect means. InRead MoreGenetic Engineering : Genetically Modified Food1229 Words   |  5 PagesGenetic engineering is a technique which uses biotechnology to change an organism s genome. Currently, this technology has been used in an abundance of fields, for example medical science, agriculture and industry. Furthermore, numerous countries have never stopped the research on genetic engineering because they think the technology of gene will become the main competitiveness in the future. As a result for the rapid development of genetic engineering. With the development of this technology, someRead MoreGenetic Engineering : The Field Of Biomedical Research1710 Words   |  7 PagesGenetic engineering is the latest experimental practice used in the world of biomedical research. This practice refers to humans modifying an animals’ genetic component in order to express a particular trait (Dale et al). The scientific community calls the animals produced by this practice as transgenic animals in order to distinguish between its wild type relative. This innovative technology paved ways for medical breakthroughs, along with the expansion of human understanding towards the mechanismsRead MoreThe case for and against genetic engineering Essay examples640 Words   |  3 Pages The case for and against genetic engineering I will look at the case for and against the use of genetic engineering and make a conclusion on whether or not I believe that it is right. As I believe in genetic engineering, I will start buy looking at the reasons that support it. The main reason that I support genetic engineering is that this technology has dramatically improved our ability to treat and even cure diseases and gentic disorders. If mRNA is isolated andRead MoreDesigner Babies Essay905 Words   |  4 PagesAdolf Hitler. Designer Babies, a form of human genetic engineering, should be banned. When a human is created with a different embryo in a lab that child can feel a lost sense of identity; also, genetic engineering can lead to a loss of human diversity and an imbalance between the social classes; and the procedure for testing and creating genetically engineered children destroys embryos that had the potential of becoming a child. Genetic engineering is a field that is growing rapidly every singleRead MoreGenetic Engineering: Brave New World1012 Words   |  5 PagesGenetic engineering has been around for many years and is widely used all over the planet. Many people don’t realize that genetic engineering is part of their daily lives and diet. Today, almost 70 percent of processed foods from a grocery store were genetically engineered. Genetic engineering can be in plants, foods, animals, and even humans. Although debates about genetic engineering still exist, many people have accepted due to the health benefits of gene therapy. The lack of knowledge has always