Microbiology

Microbiology Study Guide

Genetic Engineering The industrial process that makes use of scientific research on DNA to gain practical benefits is known as biotechnology or genetic engineering. Biotechnology and recombinant DNA are generally used to produce artificial proteins that are not produced in cells. Other benefits include the release of the bacteria with the recombinant DNA in the environment, such that it enhances the soil fertility, reduces pollution, and acts as an insecticide. Tools of Biotechnology The main premise of genetic engineering is the functioning of DNA for the synthesis of protein. It is possible to interfere with this synthesis of protein and alter the nature of the DNA, thus the organism. Moreover, it is also possible to inject the genes into the genome of the organism so that the organism starts to produce the protein that is otherwise not produced by the organism. In the last century, extensive research in the field of recombinant DNA has provided many avenues towards advancements in this field. For instance, research is able to provide knowledge of the biochemistry and genetics of the organism Escherichia coli (E. coli) . This has led to extraction of the DNA from the organism and injection into new genes. Thereby, the bacteria have been transformed by injecting new foreign genes through which it is able to produce newer proteins. Applications of Genetic Engineering • Pharmaceutical products: Human beings can suffer from deficiencies in proteins, likely due to defects in genes like insulin, human growth hormones, and factor VIII. These deficiencies in proteins have the ability to infect the human body and can lead to people suffering from diseases like diabetes, dwarfism, and blood clotting issues. Due to advancement in the genetic engineering field, this paucity of proteins can be replaced with artificial proteins, produced with the help of biotechnology. For instance, insulin is produced by chemically joining the protein chains that are encoded by genes in plasmids inserted into bacteria. Bacteria are also used to develop human growth hormones, but require special techniques since the bacteria are not capable of producing human proteins. One such protein is tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) and interferon, which provides the clot dissolving protein capability. It is manufactured from cells of the bacteria E. coli. Further, interferon is used in treatment of cancer. • Vaccinations: DNA technology is used to invent vaccines against different diseases. For instance, the vaccine for hepatitis B is made from yeast cells by combining the proteins of the yeast with viral genes. Since the vaccine has no particles of being viral, it is considered a safe vaccine. • Diagnostic testing: Genetic engineering also helps in diagnostic testing, as the detection of many fatal and nonfatal diseases is now possible. The main tool used in diagnostic testing is a DNA probe. It is a small, single-strand fragment of DNA that recognizes and binds to a complementary section of DNA in a complex mixture of DNA molecules. The probe unites with the DNA mixture and the target DNA. Once this blending takes place, a radioactive signal is emitted to confirm the occurrence of a reaction. • Gene therapy: In the case of gene therapy, necessary proteins that the patient is lacking are added after extracting the cells from the body of the patient. After extracting the cells, the

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