GENETIC ENGINEERING Meaning and
Definition
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Genetic engineering refers to the manipulation of an organism's genetic material or DNA to alter its characteristics or introduce new ones. It involves techniques that allow scientists to modify an organism's genome or genetic makeup to achieve a desired outcome. Genetic engineering is a rapidly advancing field that encompasses various methods and tools to manipulate genes, such as gene cloning, gene splicing, and gene editing.
The process of genetic engineering typically starts with the isolation of a specific gene of interest, either from the same organism or a different species. This gene is then inserted into the target organism's genome using recombinant DNA technology, resulting in the alteration of the organism's traits or the acquisition of new ones. The transferred gene can be modified to enhance or suppress its expression, leading to changes in physical characteristics, metabolic processes, or even disease resistance.
Genetic engineering has numerous applications across different sectors, including agriculture, medicine, and industry. In agriculture, it allows the development of genetically modified crops with enhanced traits, such as pest or herbicide resistance, increased nutritional content, or improved yield. In medicine, it has facilitated the production of therapeutic proteins, such as insulin and growth hormones, through genetically modified organisms. Genetic engineering also contributes to research in understanding gene function and genetic diseases.
While genetic engineering offers promising benefits, it also raises ethical and safety concerns. The potential risks associated with genetically modified organisms and the impact on biodiversity and ecosystems require careful consideration and regulation.
Common Misspellings for GENETIC ENGINEERING
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Etymology of GENETIC ENGINEERING
The word "genetic engineering" is a compound term that combines the words "genetic" and "engineering".
The word "genetic" is derived from the Latin word "geneticus" and the Greek word "genetikos", which both mean "being born" or "origin". The term "genetics" was first introduced by the scientist William Bateson in 1905 to describe the study of heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics.
The word "engineering" comes from the Latin word "ingeniator", which means "deviser, contriver, or inventor". It originally referred to the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes and the construction of complex solutions.
Combining these two terms, "genetic engineering" refers to the manipulation or alteration of an organism's genetic material (DNA) using scientific and technological methodologies.
Similar spelling words for GENETIC ENGINEERING
