ARELLANOUNIVERSITY

Jose Rizal High School

Gov. W. Pascual Ave., Malabon City
Fax/Tel. No. 921-2744
Senior High School Department

GENERAL BIOLOGY 2

CN # 1 “GENETIC ENGINEERING”

" Genetic engineering, the artificial manipulation, modification, and recombination of

DNA or other nucleic acid molecules in order to modify an organism or population of
organisms.

" The term genetic engineering initially referred to various techniques used for the
modification or manipulation of organisms through the processes of heredity and
reproduction.

" As such, the term embraced both artificial selection and all the
interventions of biomedical techniques, among them artificial insemination, in vitro
fertilization (e.g., “test-tube” babies), cloning, and gene manipulation.

" Classical plant breeding uses deliberate interbreeding (crossing) of closely or

distantly related individuals to produce new crop varieties or lines with desirable
properties. Plants are crossbred to introduce traits/genes from one variety or line
into a new genetic background.

" Genetic engineering is the process of using recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology
to alter the genetic makeup of an organism. Traditionally, humans have
manipulated genomes indirectly by controlling breeding and selecting offspring
with desired traits.

" Genetic engineering involves the direct manipulation of one or more genes. Most
often, a gene from another species is added to an organism's genome to give it a
desired phenotype.

" Genetic engineering involves the use of molecular techniques to modify the traits
of a target organism. The modification of traits may involve:

1. Introduction of new traits into an organism

2. Enhancement of a present trait by increasing the expression of the desired gene
3. Enhancement of a present trait by disrupting the inhibition of the desired genes’
expression.

What is a GMO?
" A GMO, or GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISM, is a plant, animal,
microorganism or other organism whose genetic makeup has been modified in a
laboratory using genetic engineering or transgenic technology.

" This creates combinations of plant, animal, bacterial and virus genes that do not
occur in nature or through traditional crossbreeding methods.

" GMOs benefit mankind when used for purposes such as increasing the
availability and quality of food and medical care, and contributing to a
cleaner environment.

" Genetically modified animals are mainly used for research purposes, while
genetically modified plants are common in today's food supply.

" Genetically modified crops can conserve energy, soil, and water resources.