Gene manipulation is the alteration of the DNA sequence of an organism. The spelling of this word can be broken down using IPA phonetic transcription. "Gene" is pronounced /dʒiːn/, while "manipulation" is pronounced /məˌnɪpjʊˈleɪʃən/. The word is spelled with a "g" before "ene" because the "g" sound comes before "i" in English. "Mani" is spelled with an "i" instead of an "e" because the second syllable is stressed, making it a short "i" sound.
Gene manipulation, also commonly referred to as genetic manipulation or genetic engineering, is a process in which the genetic composition of an organism is deliberately altered in a laboratory setting. It involves manipulating the DNA of an organism to introduce, remove, or modify specific genes, allowing for the creation of desired traits or characteristics in the organism.
This process typically involves the isolation of a specific gene of interest from one organism, which is then introduced into the genome of a different organism, thereby changing its genetic makeup. The goal of gene manipulation is to introduce new traits or enhance existing ones, leading to improvements in the characteristics, functions, or behaviors of the organism in question.
Gene manipulation has revolutionized various fields, including medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology, by enabling scientists to create organisms with specific desired traits that may not have otherwise occurred naturally. It has been utilized to develop genetically modified crops that are more resistant to pests or drought, produce higher yields, or have enhanced nutritional content. In medicine, gene manipulation has been instrumental in the production of pharmaceuticals, the development of gene therapies, and the advancement of diagnostic tools.
However, gene manipulation also raises ethical considerations and concerns about its potential long-term effects on natural ecosystems and human health. Therefore, rigorous regulations and safeguards are in place to ensure responsible use of gene manipulation techniques, with thorough evaluations of the risks and benefits associated with the altered organisms.
The word "gene manipulation" has its roots in the field of genetics, specifically referring to the deliberate alteration or modification of an organism's genetic material, particularly its genes. Here is the breakdown of its etymology:
1. Gene: The term "gene" was coined by the Danish botanist and geneticist, Wilhelm Johannsen, in 1909. It is derived from the German word "Gen", which Johannsen adopted to describe the fundamental unit of heredity responsible for the transmission of traits from parents to offspring.
2. Manipulation: The word "manipulation" comes from the Latin word "manipulatio", which means "a handling" or "act of manipulating". It stems from the verb "manipulare", which combines "manus" (hand) and "plere" (to fill), thus implying "to handle skillfully" or "to control".