According to Wikipedia, Transgenic organisms can be defined as, “an organism that has been genetically altered by adding genes into, and out of, the organism to achieve the desired outcome, this process is called genetic engineering. Genetic engineering is made possible through certain techniques within biotechnology and bioengineering”. More and more organisms, including plants and animals, are being modified today. These processes are justified based on their supposed “endless benefits”, but at what cost? This leaves us with concerns about whether these processes are ethically correct and whether it is appropriate to use these organisms as a means of producing things such as pharmaceuticals.
Through editing an organism’s DNA that organism
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The first thing the scientists do, is to isolate the gene and then connect it to a different piece of DNA that holds a sequence that will allow the gene to be expressed in the appropriate tissue of the inheritor organism. This built partt of DNA is then inserted into the animals using one of a few different ways. Microinjection is one the methods that can be successfully used. Using microinjection, the eggs are taken from animals and externally fertilized in vitro, thereafter the built-up DNA holding the foreign gene is injected—making use of a very fine needle—into the nucleus of the egg. The foreign DNA is inserted at random locations into the DNA of the fertilized egg. The egg is then implanted into the oviduct of a surrogate animal, where the egg then develops. This method has been used to create many kinds of transgenic animals, from mice to large animals such as cattle.
Some examples of current genetically modified organisms:
Food: Golden rice is modified so that it produces vitamin A. although it’s still waiting regulatory approval, its purpose is to in rich 3rd world countries in a more balanced meal and healthier diet
Animals: Goats have been adapted to produce human antithrombin, Antithrombin is a way in which a blood clotting disease in humans is treated. Goats have also been genetically altered to yield spider silk, which could be used for artificial bulletproof