Enzymes used in laundry detergent and medicines such as insulin. Genetic engineering also called genetic
modification of an organism that is generated
through genetic engineering is considered to be a genetically modified organism (GMO). The first GMOS were
bacteria in 1973; Gm mice
were generated in
1974, Insulin-producing bacteria were commercialized in 1982 and genetically
modified food has been sold since 1994.
Genetic engineering techniques have been applied in numerous field including research
agriculture, industrial biotechnology, and medicine. Enzymes used in laundry
detergent and medicines such as insulin and human growth hormone are now
manufactured in GM cells.
GENETICALLY
MODIFIED ORGANISM
Plant,
animals 'or micro-organism that have changed through genetic engineering are termed genetically modified
organism or GMOS. Bacteria were the first organisms to be genetically
modified. Plasmid DNA containing new genes
can be inserted into the bacteria will then express those genes. These genes can code for medicines or enzymes that
process food and other substrates. Plant
have been modified for insect protection, herbicide resistance, virus resistance,
enhanced nutrition, tolerance to environmental pressures and the production of edible vaccines.
Genetically
modified animals have been used for research, model animal and the production of agricultural or
pharmaceutical products. They include animals
with genes knocked out, increased susceptibility to diseases, hormones for
external growth and the ability to express protein in their milk.
BIO-MOLECULAR ENGINEERING
Is the application of engineering principles and practices to the
purposeful manipulation of molecules of biological origin. Biomolecular engineers
integrate knowledge of biological processes with the core knowledge of chemical engineering
in order to focus on molecular level solution to issues and problems in the life science related to
the environment, agriculture, energy, industry,
food production, biotechnology and medicine.
Biomolecular engineering deals with the manipulation of many key biomolecules. These include, but are not
limited to, proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and lipids. These acid are
basic building blocks of life and by controlling,
creating and manipulating their form and function, there are many new avenues and advantages available to society.