Genetic engineering is the application of biotechnology to alter the genetic material of living cells in order to modify traits within the organism or to produce new chemicals or perform new functions
Genentech, founded in 1976, is the company most people credit with jump-starting the genetic engineering biotechnology industry. Using recombinant DNA lab techniques, they were able to transplant the human gene responsible for producing the hormone somatostatin into bacteria to produce the hormone synthetically. Since then, using recombinant DNA and gene transplant techniques they have revolutionized the production of insulin, improving the quality and reducing the cost for millions of diabetics worldwide; and, they have produced many new drugs aimed at treating cancer, immune disorders, and regenerating and repairing damaged tissue.
The recombinant DNA techniques that Genentech pioneered have been used by several large corporations to produce genetically modified crops (GMO crops) such as corn and soybeans. Monsanto has developed soybean seeds that are herbicide resistant, for example.
There is controversy related to genetically modified food production. Organic farmers and others who prefer chemical free crops point out that many gene modifications confer resistance to pesticides and herbicides but do nothing to improve yields. Other concerns related to genetically engineered food include controversy about a "terminator trait," a modification that will increase the farmer's cost of production, and concern about "gene flow," the tendency of non-modified crops to be pollinated by adjacent modified plants.
Genetic engineering is also applied to animal breeding. Cloned livestock and improved breeds are two areas where the techniques are applied commercially. Genetically engineered virus research is underway with the goals of understanding, preventing, and treating viral diseases from the flu to HIV.
(Photo credit: Shaury Nash, Flickr
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