LESSON 1

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GENETIC
ENGINEERING
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Genetic Engineering

Genetic engineering, also called genetic

modification, is the direct manipulation
of an organism’s genome using
biotechnology. It is a set of technologies
used to change the genetic makeup of
cells, including the transfer of genes
within and across species boundaries to
produce improved or novel organisms.
Examples:
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 Recombinant DNA: Here rDNA is used to create
z a new gene and then gene transfer is carried out
by inserting the gene into plasmid liquid and
then transferring it into the host cell.

Gene delivering:  Gene delivery is the technique

Techniques: of inserting the desired gene in the host genome
to get the characteristics we wanted to insert.
Some methods used in it are Electroporation,
solicitation and viral vector-mediated gene
transfer, and liposome-mediated gene transfer 

Gene editing:  A gene-editing technique is used

to edit the genome, allowing for the removal of
unwanted DNA sequences or the insertion of a
new gene into the host genome. 
 Recombinant DNA: Here rDNA is used to create
z a new gene and then gene transfer is carried out
by inserting the gene into plasmid liquid and
then transferring it into the host cell.

Gene delivering:  Gene delivery is the technique

Techniques: of inserting the desired gene in the host genome
to get the characteristics we wanted to insert.
Some methods used in it are Electroporation,
solicitation and viral vector-mediated gene
transfer, and liposome-mediated gene transfer 

Gene editing:  A gene-editing technique is used

to edit the genome, allowing for the removal of
unwanted DNA sequences or the insertion of a
new gene into the host genome. 
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 Artificial selection selects for traits already

present in a species, whereas genetic
Techniques: engineering creates new traits. In artificial
selection, scientists breed only individuals
that have desirable traits. For example,
scientists may breed (cross pollinate, in
this case) only the highest yielding crops
with one another for many generations.
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 Selective breeding refers to the process of

modifying the characteristics of living
Techniques: things in order to enhance one or more
desirable traits by the selection in breeding,
controlled by humans. In contrast, genetic
engineering refers to the deliberate
modification of the characteristics of an
organism by manipulating its genetic
material.
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 Hybridization can be defined as the process of

crossing two organisms that are genetically
Techniques: distant from each other. This can be an artificial
or natural process. It is important to note that
hybridization does not change the genetic
composition of an individual, it creates
variability by producing a new combination of
the allele.
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 Inbreeding is the process of mating

genetically similar organisms.

Techniques:  Cloning allows for the creation of

multiple copies of genes, expression
of genes, and study of specific genes.

 Gene splicing is a form of genetic

engineering where specific genes or
gene sequences are inserted into the
genome of a different organism. 
z Advantage & Disadvantage of Genetic
Engineering
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ADVANTAGES
1. It allows for a faster growth rate.
Genetic engineering allows of plants or animals to be modified so their maturity can occur at a
quicker pace. Engineering can allow this maturity to occur outside of the normal growth
conditions that are favorable without genetic changes as well. Even if there is higher levels of
heat or lower levels of light, it becomes possible to expand what can be grown in those
conditions.
2. It can create an extended life.
Genetic modification can help to create resistance to common forms of organism death. Pest
resistance can be included into the genetic profiles of plants so they can mature as a crop
without any further additives. Animals can have their genetic profiles modified to reduce the
risks of common health concerns that may affect the breed or species. This creates the potential
for an extended lifespan for each organism.
 ADVANTAGES
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3. Specific traits can be developed.
Plants and animals can have specific traits developed through genetic engineering
that can make them more attractive to use or consumption. Different colors can be
created to produce a wider range of produce. Animals can be modified to produce
more milk, grow more muscle tissue, or produce different coats so that a wider
range of fabrics can be created.

4. New products can be created.

With genetic engineering, new products can be created by adding or combining
different profiles together. One example of this is to take a specific product, such
as a potato, and alter its profile so that it can produce more nutrients per kcal than
without the genetic engineering. This makes it possible for more people to get
what they need nutritionally, even if their food access is limited, and this could
potentially reduce global food insecurity.
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5. Greater yields can be produced.

Genetic engineering can also change the traits of plants or animals so that they
produce greater yields per plant. More fruits can be produced per tree, which
creates a greater food supply and more profits for a farmer. It also creates the
potential for using modified organisms in multiple ways because there is a greater
yield available. Modified corn, for example, can be used for specific purposes,
such as animal feed, ethanol, or larger cobs for human consumption.
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6. Risks to the local water supply are reduced.

Because farmers and growers do not need to apply as many pesticides or herbicides to their
croplands due to genetic engineering, fewer applications to the soil need to occur. This protects
the local watershed and reduces the risk of an adverse event occurring without risking the yield
and profitability that is needed.

7. It is a scientific practice that has been in place for millennia.

Humans in the past may not have been able to directly modify the DNA of a plant or animal in a
laboratory, but they still practiced genetic engineering through selective breeding and cross-
species or cross-breeding. People would identify specific traits, seek out other plants or animals
that had similar traits, and then breed them together to create a specific result. Genetic
engineering just speeds up this process and can predict an outcome with greater regularity.
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1. There can be negative side effects that are unexpected.

Genetic engineering is guaranteed to make a change. Many of those changes are positive,
creating more and healthier foods. Some of those changes, however, can be negative and
unexpected. Making a plant become more tolerant to drought might also make that plant
become less tolerant to direct sunlight. Animals may be modified to produce more milk, but
have a shortened lifespan at the same time so farmers suffer a greater livestock.

2. The amount of diversity developed can be less favorable.

At some point, genetically engineered plants and animals make it “into the wild” and interact
with domestic species. This results in a crossing of “natural” and “artificial” organisms. The
engineered organisms often dominate, resulting in only a modified species over several
generations, reducing the diversity that is available.
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DISADVANTAGES
3. Copyrighted genetic engineering can have costly consequences.
Many companies copyright their genetic engineering processes or products to maintain their
profitability. If a farmer plants genetically modified crops and the pollination process causes
another farmer in the field over to have those modified crops grow, there have been precedents for
legal actions against the “unauthorized” farmer. This can have several costly consequences, from
fewer farmers wanting to work to a higher cost for the seeds that are planted.

4. This knowledge and technology can be easily abused.

At the moment, genetic engineering in humans is being used to treat specific disorders that
threaten the health or wellbeing of individuals. In time, the approach in humans could be like what
is already being done with plants and animals. Genetic engineering can change specific traits,
which could create human outcomes that are ethically questionable or easily abused.
is available.