Transgenic animals and plants are organisms that have had foreign genetic material inserted into their DNA through genetic engineering techniques. This allows for the expression of a new gene or modification of an existing gene in the organism. Transgenic technology has been used for a variety of purposes, including medical research, agriculture, and environmental management.
Transgenic Plants:
Transgenic plants are genetically modified to express traits that may be beneficial to agriculture or to protect the plant against diseases or environmental stresses. The process of creating a transgenic plant involves the following steps:
- Isolation of the gene of interest: The gene of interest is isolated from another plant or organism using molecular biology techniques.
- Modification of the gene: The gene is then modified using recombinant DNA technology. This involves inserting, deleting, or modifying specific DNA sequences.
- Insertion of the modified gene: The modified gene is inserted into the plant genome using a vector, such as a bacterium or virus. The vector carries the modified gene into the plant cell, where it is integrated into the plant’s DNA.
- Screening for successful insertion: The transgenic plant is screened to identify those that have successfully integrated the modified gene into their genome.
Examples of transgenic plants include crops that are resistant to pests or herbicides, have improved nutritional content, or are able to grow in harsh environmental conditions.
Transgenic Animals:
Transgenic animals are genetically modified to express a new gene or to modify an existing gene in the animal. The process of creating a transgenic animal involves the following steps:
- Isolation of the gene of interest: The gene of interest is isolated from another animal or organism using molecular biology techniques.
- Modification of the gene: The gene is then modified using recombinant DNA technology. This involves inserting, deleting, or modifying specific DNA sequences.
- Insertion of the modified gene: The modified gene is inserted into the animal genome using a vector, such as a virus or bacterium. The vector carries the modified gene into the animal’s cells, where it is integrated into the animal’s DNA.
- Screening for successful insertion: The transgenic animal is screened to identify those that have successfully integrated the modified gene into their genome.
Examples of transgenic animals include mice that are used for medical research, which have been modified to express specific genes that are associated with human diseases.
While the use of transgenic animals and plants has the potential to offer many benefits, such as improved crop yields or the development of new medicines, it has also been the subject of much controversy. Some concerns have been raised about the potential impact on human health and the environment, as well as ethical issues around animal welfare. To address these concerns, many countries have put in place regulations governing the use of transgenic technology.