Question

Who is the father of genetic engineering?
A. Steward Linn
B. Stanley Cohen
C. Paul Berg
D. Kary Mullis

Answer 1

Hint: He is an American biochemist and started genetic engineering. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1980. He produced the first DNA molecule made up of pieces from various organisms.

Complete Answer:
Genetic engineering is sometimes referred to as genetic alteration or genetic manipulation. That is a simple modification of the genes of an organism using biotechnology. It is a series of technology used to alter the genetic make-up of cells, including the transition of genes inside and across species borders to create better or novel organisms.
New DNA is produced either by separating and cloning the genetic material of concern using recombinant DNA methods or by artificially synthesizing the DNA. A structure is typically created and used to inject the DNA into the host organism.

A) Stanley Cohen is a biochemist who has been involved in the discovery of epidermal growth factor and nerve growth factor. He shared the Nobel Prize in Medicine or Physiology with Rita Levi-Montalcini in 1986 for her work on the growth factors discovery.

B) In 1972, Paul Berg started genetic engineering. With the aid of the lambda phage, he was able to insert the SV-40 virus gene into the bacterium. Berg is also called the “Father of Genetic Engineering”. He was awarded the 1980 Nobel Prize.

C) Kary Banks Mullis has been an American biochemist. In appreciation of his discovery of the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) process, he received the Nobel Prize in 1993.

Thus, the correct answer is option C i.e., Paul Berg.

Note: In medicine, genetic engineering is used for human growth hormones, vaccines, mass-produce insulin, follistim, monoclonal antibodies, human albumin, antihemophilic causes, and many other medications. In science, cells are genetically modified to identify the roles of certain genes.