Question

Write about the practical applications of genetic engineering.

Answer 1

Hint: Genetic engineering refers to artificial synthesis, isolation, modification combination, addition, and repair of the genetic material (DNA) to alter the phenotype of the host organism to suit human needs.

Complete answer:1. Diagnosis of diseases: Genetic as well as the infectious disease can be diagnosed by using DNA technology. This is done with prob consisting of a short segment of single-stranded DNA attached to a radioactive or fluorescent marker. This method is used these days to identify causative agents such as Salmonella of food poisoning, HIV of AIDs, the virus of hepatitis B, etc.
2. Gene therapy: Genetic engineering may one day enable the medical scientists to add, delete, or alter a specific gene to modify the patient’s genotype for the treatment of hereditary diseases. This new system of medicine is called gene therapy.
Production of genetically modified microorganisms.
3. Production of transgenic plants: Organism containing a foreign gene from a different species received by genetic engineering is called transgenic organisms.
4. Production of transgenic animals: Certain animals after receiving foreign genes produce highly valuable materials. They can be used as bioreactors to get such substances.
5. Help in understanding biological process: Genetic engineering assists in ascertaining mechanisms of differentiation and aging, gene expression, and mapping of genes in chromosomes.
6. The solution of disputed parentage: Disputed parentage can be more accurately solved by recombinant technology than by blood tests.
7. Genetic counseling: Prospective parents, who are carriers of genetic disorders, can be advised about the possibility of the inheritance of the disorder by their children. This is done by determining the genotypes of the parents.

Note: The success of genetic engineering depends upon the acceptance of consumers of the materials produced by this technique.
Other applications include Synthesis of pharmaceutically useful chemicals, Efficient nitrogen fixation, Depollution of the environment, Crop protection, Penicillin production, Lignin removal, Synthesis of useful substances, etc.