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Genetic Engineering: Definition and Uses

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Genetic Engineering: Definition and Uses
Genetic Engineering Research

I. Introduction In the past three decades, scientists have learned how to mix and match characteristics among unrelated creatures by moving genes from one creature to another. This is called “genetic engineering.” Genetic Engineering is a test tube science and is prematurely applied in food production. There are estimates that food output must increase by 60 percent over the next 25 years to keep up with demand. Thus, the result of scientist genetically altering plants for more consumption. The two most common methods for gene transfer are biological and electromechanical. “Early experiments all involved changing DNA using bacterial vectors”(Randerson, 2001). Through other advances scientists proclaim how they can improve the human gene pool. All humans have genes which carry certain traits structuring a person’s chemical make-up. "Inheritable characteristics are passed from one generation to the next through DNA, a molecule that is present in all of our cells”(Massey,2001).

Gene Engineering could be used in various ways trying to improve humans. “Gene modifications can have an impact solely on a single person (somatic manipulation), or on a person's children and all subsequent descendants (germline manipulation). Somatic manipulation seeks to change the genetic makeup of particular body in somatic cells that comprise the organs and tissues. Germline genetic manipulation changes the sex cells which can modify the health of a c...

... middle of paper ...

... must be put in use for advances in reproductive technology and not to become available with bad intentions or misguided choices.

II. References Cited

Massey, Rachel. “Engineering Humans Part 1”. Human Genetics Alert, March, 2001. http://www.- users.globalnet.co.uk/~cahg/
King, David. ”The Threat of Human Genetic Engineering”. Human Genetics Alert, 1999. http://www.hgalert.org
Randerson, James. “Gene Modified Athletes”. Human

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