Genetic Engineering and Genetics

About The Book

The study of genes and the hereditary information they contain is explored in the book Genetics and Genetic Engineering. Through processes that remove heritable material or transfer DNA generated outside the organism either directly into the host or into a cell that is then fused or hybridised with the host, genetic engineering modifies the genetic make-up of an organism. This entails creating novel heritable genetic material combinations utilising recombinant nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) procedures, and then incorporating that material either directly by micro-injection, macro-injection, or micro-encapsulation techniques, or indirectly through a vector system. The direct altering of an organism's genes via biotechnology is known as genetic engineering, sometimes known as genetic modification. Using recombinant DNA techniques, one can isolate or replicate the genetic material of interest, or one can chemically synthesise new DNA. This DNA is often inserted into the host organism via a construct. Paul Berg combined DNA from the lambda virus and the SV40 monkey virus in 1972 to create the first recombinant DNA molecule. The procedure can also be used to "knock out," or remove, genes in addition to putting them in. The new DNA may be inserted at random or specifically intended for a certain region of the genome. This book will be helpful to everyone whose daily work involves genetics and genetic engineering, including doctors, nurses, animal breeders, and laboratory staff.