Genetic Engineering Nichols The idea of studying genetic engineering and revealing those results intrigues me thoroughly. Studying these coded proteins or genes brings about revolutionary advancements in the fields of medicine and bioengineering. The possibilities that genetic engineering make are endless. For example, genetic engineering can improve nutritious quality and enhance the flavor in foods. We can also look forward to new techniques in disease prevention and treatments, improve the quality of life. However, as stated by James Watson, genetic engineering is also has ethical, medical, and societal implications. If genetic engineering is not used wisely and ethically the results can reduce our health and seriously endanger the environment. It is up to us, as a society to make the correct choices involving genetic engineering. Genetic Engineering is the alteration of an organism's genetic, or hereditary, material to eliminate undesirable characteristics or to produce desirable new ones. Since Watson’s discovery in 1953, genetic engineering has made profound advancements. Through Recombinant DNA or gene splicing scientists can directly alter genetic material. Recombinant DNA is DNA that has been created artificially. Recombinant DNA is made from two or more sources that are incorporated into a single recombinant molecule. The first step in recombinant dna is to isolate the genes in question. Then two molecules or genes are treated with a restriction enzyme. Restriction enzymes are DNA-cutting devices found in bacteria (and harvested from them for use). A restriction enzyme recognizes and cuts DNA only at a particular sequence of nucleotides. Treating the DNA of two different organisms with the same restriction enzyme produces complementary fragments, or fragments with ends that fit together. These ends that fit together are called “sticky ends” because they are able to join with any DNA molecule that contains ...
