Microorganisms Case

Microorganisms

The discussion today is microbial genetics. Modifying science for the benefit of society. I want to discuss the purpose and uses of genetically engineered microbes. First, genetic engineering involves the manipulation of an organism's DNA. This technology is used with microbes, plants, animals, and used to modify crops for the growing population. Genetic engineering is a widely debated topic across the world. For some, genetic engineering is the unknown and a fear and threat to natural life on Earth, whereas others experiencing disease and illness welcome this field as a promising breakthrough to a cure. With the knowledge and research performed by scientists this far, time needed for research, money, and most important regulations, genetic engineering can help reduce disease, and save countless lives. “The goal of genetic engineering is to use the information to develop new ways to treat and prevent the many thousands of diseases that affect society across the world” ("Genetic Engineering", 2012).

A genetically engineered product is developed by modifying DNA. This technology is used across the globe today in the production of pharmaceuticals, gene therapy, and the development of transgenic (containing a gene transferred from another species to introduce new characteristics and traits into an organism) plants and animals. Pharmaceuticals used today come from genetically modified transgenic animals, which have been proven to be less costly and more effective for the public. Many of the drugs today are produced from cows, chickens, pigs, goats, milk, and eggs. Some of the products produced are insulin for diabetics, anti-cancer drugs, erythropoietin (used for low anemia and kidney disease), and supplemental breast milk.

The use of gene therapy is for the treatment of an immune system defect when an abnormal gene or a gene not functioning properly is replaced with a healthy gene. This process involves injecting blood cells with normal ADA (Adenosine deaminase gene providing instructions for producing the enzyme ADA) into the patient to improve the immune system. This type of gene therapy is in progress to treat diseases such as cystic fibrosis, cancerous brain tumors, and the HIV virus.

Making transgenic plants is the introduction of modified genes into plants and crops able to withstand herbicides, resist insects, and viruses, or produce modified crops without acquiring this through pollination.

The reason microbes are genetically modified is to exploit its use in two important fields, medicine, and agriculture. Genetically modified medicines can save countless lives and genetically modified agriculture can feed the growing population both at a fraction of the cost to the public affecting the growth and production of plants while producing chemicals toxic to crop pests making the crop pest resistant.

Genetic engineering