Back to: MICROBIOLOGY 100 LEVEL
Welcome to class!
Welcome again, brilliant one! I’m super glad to have you here today because we’re about to unlock a very exciting part of modern science—Genetic Engineering Basics. Don’t let the big term scare you; this topic is about something that’s already changing the world around you—how we use science to carefully adjust genes to solve real-life problems. Let’s break it down simply, like adjusting the ingredients in your mum’s jollof rice to get that perfect taste!
Genetic Engineering Basics
What is Genetic Engineering?
Genetic engineering is the process of manipulating the DNA of an organism. That means scientists can remove, add, or change specific genes to give an organism new traits.
It’s like editing a document—changing words, adding new lines, or deleting errors. But instead of editing an essay, scientists are editing genes, which are the instructions that tell living things how to grow and function.
Why Do We Use Genetic Engineering?
We use genetic engineering to:
Cure diseases
Make better crops
Produce medicines like insulin
Create bacteria that can clean up pollution
Improve animal breeds
This technology is powerful and used in agriculture, health care, environmental science, and even in the food we eat.
Basic Steps in Genetic Engineering
Identify the Gene of Interest
First, scientists find the exact gene they want to use—for example, a gene that makes a plant resist insects.
Cut the Gene Out
Using special enzymes called restriction enzymes, they cut the desired gene from its original DNA.
Insert the Gene into a Vector
The gene is then placed inside a vector, like a plasmid (a small DNA circle from bacteria). This acts like a vehicle to carry the gene.
Transfer the Gene into a Host Organism
The plasmid carrying the new gene is introduced into a target organism like a bacterium, plant, or animal. This organism will now show the new trait.
Selection and Growth
Only the organisms that have successfully taken up the gene are selected and allowed to grow.
Imagine you have a favourite song on your phone. You want to send it to your friend. You use Bluetooth (vector) to transfer it from your phone to theirs (host). Now your friend also has the song (gene) and can enjoy it.
In genetic engineering, the gene is the song, the plasmid is the Bluetooth, and the organism receiving it is your friend’s phone!
Common Uses of Genetic Engineering
Medicine: Producing insulin, vaccines, and growth hormones.
Agriculture: Creating crops that grow faster, resist pests, or survive harsh weather.
Industry: Engineering bacteria to make enzymes used in detergents.
Environmental: Bacteria engineered to clean oil spills or absorb toxins from the soil.
Summary
- Genetic engineering means changing an organism’s DNA to give it new traits.
- It involves cutting, inserting, and transferring genes.
- Plasmids are often used as vectors.
- This technology is helping in medicine, farming, and environmental protection.
Evaluation
- What is genetic engineering?
- List three uses of genetic engineering.
- What is a vector in genetic engineering?
- Why are plasmids useful in genetic engineering?
- Describe one way genetic engineering is used in agriculture.
Learning about genetic engineering shows how powerful and smart science can be when used wisely. One day, you might even use it to solve big problems in Africa and the world. Keep going strong—Afrilearn is always cheering for you!