Methods of genetic engineering

Genetic Engineering

Recently, we began to learn to put their hands in our own evolution through genetic engineering, including a change or manipulate the genome to create new organic and useful result. The methods often used by engineers and many different genetic, but generally fall into one of three categories: the method of plasmid, the vector method and the method of biolistic.

Plasmid Approach

The first genetic engineering technique, the method of plasmid, a technique known by most, and are usually used to change the microorganisms such as bacteria. In the plasmid, with a small ring of DNA called a plasmid (usually found in bacteria) in a special container with restriction enzymes cut the DNA sequence in a special identification. The same enzyme is used to deal with the DNA sequence of the bacterium, it completes the process of creating "sticky" to blow if given the opportunity.

Layers then separate the two broken-up Extra DNA introduced, which allows them to fuse sticky end, a circle of DNA containing the additional material. New enzymes added to help with the new links, and culture are separate, then, móilíneacha weight. These DNA molecules of weight were the most successful ones, and they continue.

Included in the next step for the plasmids formed a new culture of living bacteria with known genomes, some with free-floating plasmids and begin to express. In general, the plasmid DNA is introduced to take into account not only the instructions for making proteins, but also the genes resistant to antibiotics. The genes may be used against specific bacteria for the plasmid received from persons other than a. But the scientist with the appropriate antibiotic, and almost certainly survivors (to prevent spontaneous mutations) that the new gene.

Then the scientists will allow bacteria to grow and change successful reproduction. It can be used in their experiments, or work in the industry. It can also allow bacteria to develop on their own, with the selection pressure "provided by the scientist to produce more protein. As the power of natural selection, the bacteria produced a number of generations are better is the best part the first generations.

Many people object strongly to the plasmid in genetic engineering because they are afraid that bacteria engineered plasmids are transferred to other problems that could lead to express the gene. Lateral gene transfer is of this kind, in fact, common in many bacteria, the bacteria, but not in engineering of this approach comes into contact with bacteria only natural under controlled laboratory conditions. The number of bacteria used in nature - for example, those who could clean up oil spills - would be released to the general and specific in a particular area and are supervised by scientists.

Vector Approach

The approach is called the second method of genetic engineering vector. Plasmid is similar to this approach, but their products are incorporated directly into the genome of a virus vector. DNA are the initial steps almost exactly the same, and as the viral DNA inserted with the same enzymes and the DNA sequence of two, and separate those that fuse successfully. The only difference is the piece of DNA viruses, such as those that cause its virulence, it must be removed or a microorganism first to re-organize their patients to go. This product is the advantage - moving a large part of the virus genome can be added "when" a new gene inserted.

When the creation of new viral genomes, they will synthesize proteins and then reproduce. It will be released from the viruses that affect the target organism or a subset of specific cells (for example, they can be released into the bacterium by a bacteriophage, or on human lung cells as the hope that this can be done to patients with cystic fibrosis). Virus infects the target cell, define the genome - the engineering part of the new - in the genome of the target cell starts to express that the new system.

With Veicteoiríagus well, scoring genes as genes conferring resistance to antibiotics used frequently, giving scientists the ability to test for the successful use of gene expression and new. Again you can then engineered organisms used in experiments or in industry. The technique is also being studied as possible ways to improve the genetic disease (see Genetic Engineering Debate).

Many people object to this type of genetic engineering, and noted the unpredictability of the new version of the DNA. This can affect the function of genes present. In addition, many people are uncomfortable with the idea of someone deliberately infected with the virus, even with disabilities.

Biolistic approach

The biolistic method, also known as gene-gun, the most common technique used in engineering drawings - for example, when trying to insecticide resistance of crops. In the technical spheres of metal (usually tungsten) coated with DNA into plant cells is desirable. Some cells to DNA (again, this will be confirmed by the marker gene) and then to grow new plants, and can also be cloned to produce genetically more uniform. While the technique is less subtle than others, has proved effective in many engineering drawings.

Objections to the approach raises many of the same reasons: the DNA can be inserted into the gene works, and can enter the transfer of new genes to wild plants. Moreover, this technique because of its connection with the common resistance to genetically modified foods, and many people do not like it.