Genetic Engineering in 6 minutes | What Is Genetic Engineering? | Genetics | Simplilearn

Summary

This video script delves into the fascinating world of genetic engineering, explaining how it can enhance traits in animals and plants by altering DNA. It discusses the creation of GMOs for various purposes, including disease resistance in animals and improved crop yields. The script also touches on the role of AI in accelerating genetic research and the ethical considerations surrounding GMOs. The video concludes with a trivia question about the first genetically modified organism, piquing viewers' curiosity.

Takeaways

• 🧬 Genetic engineering involves altering an organism's DNA by adding or removing genes to create a new gene framework with desirable traits.
• 🐾 Traits like shiny fur in Samoyeds or loyalty in Golden Retrievers are influenced by an organism's genes.
• 🌱 The technology can be applied to both animals and plants, as they both possess DNA structures.
• 🧪 Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are the result of genetic engineering, which can enhance or eliminate certain characteristics.
• 🔬 The field of genetic engineering became more accessible with Bob Fraley's work on transforming plant cells with new DNA fragments in the 1980s.
• 🌾 Genetic engineering is used to modify crops for increased productivity, nutritional value, and disease resistance.
• 💊 It enables the production of medications, vaccines, enzymes, and hormones at a reduced cost by manipulating microorganisms and plant materials.
• 🌿 Biofuels can be produced from bioengineered energy crops that grow rapidly and can be converted into various fuel types.
• 🐟 GMO animals are often used in scientific experiments or for human consumption, like the genetically modified salmon.
• ⚠️ There are risks associated with genetic engineering, including potential allergies, gene spread to non-GMO organisms, and unanticipated genetic deficiencies.

Q & A

What is genetic engineering?

Genetic engineering is the process of altering a DNA structure by either adding or removing genes from it to form a newer gene framework with desirable characteristics. It can be applied to both animals and plants.

What is a GMO?

A GMO, or genetically modified organism, is the resultant organism after its DNA structure has been altered through genetic engineering.

Who were the pioneers in transforming plant cells with new DNA fragments?

Bob Fraley was among the pioneers who transformed plant cells with new DNA fragments in the early 1980s.

How does genetic engineering differ from traditional breeding?

While traditional breeding involves selective mating to enhance certain traits over generations, genetic engineering allows for the direct alteration of an organism's DNA to introduce or remove specific characteristics.

What are the two variations of genetic engineering mentioned in the script?

The first variant involves fusing an organism's original DNA with foreign genes to introduce new characteristics. The second type involves the removal of certain genes to eliminate unwanted behaviors or characteristics.

How does machine learning facilitate genetic engineering?

Machine learning models, like those used by Google's DeepVariant and Deep Genomics, accelerate genome structure experiments and make gene sequencing projects easier to mass propagate.

What is gene cloning and how is it used in medical fields?

Gene cloning is the process of creating an exact duplicate of base DNA material. It is especially helpful in medical fields for rapid testing of vaccines and serums.

In what ways is genetic engineering used in agriculture?

Genetic engineering is used to modify crop plants to increase productivity, nutritional value, protein content, resistance to disease, and fertilizer usage.

How does genetic engineering contribute to the production of medications and vaccines?

Genetic engineering allows for the generation of large quantities of important medications, vaccines, enzymes, and hormones at minimal cost by manipulating microorganisms and plant-based materials.

What are the potential risks associated with genetic engineering?

Potential risks include unexpected allergy risks from GMO foods, the spread of genetically altered foreign DNA to non-GMO plants and animals, and unanticipated genetic deficiencies or diseases in genetically modified animals.

What was the first genetically modified organism created in 1974?

The first genetically modified organism created in 1974 was a mouse.

Outlines

00:00

🧬 The Wonders of Genetic Engineering

This paragraph introduces the concept of genetic engineering, explaining how traits like shiny fur in Samoyeds or loyalty in Golden Retrievers are influenced by an organism's genes. It discusses the potential of extracting and transferring desirable genetic traits to enhance immunity, prevent diseases, and improve agricultural productivity. Genetic engineering is defined as the manipulation of an organism's DNA by adding or removing genes to create a new genetic framework with beneficial characteristics. The paragraph also touches on the historical development of genetic engineering, starting with the work of Bob Fraley in the 1980s, and the advancements in biotechnology that have made direct DNA alteration possible. It mentions two types of genetic engineering: one that fuses an organism's DNA with foreign genes to introduce new traits, and another that removes genes to eliminate undesirable characteristics. The paragraph concludes by highlighting the role of AI and machine learning in accelerating genetic research and the cloning of genes for medical applications.

05:01

🌱 Applications and Concerns of Genetic Engineering

The second paragraph delves into the practical applications of genetic engineering, such as modifying crop plants to increase yield, nutritional value, and resistance to diseases. It also mentions the production of medications, vaccines, enzymes, and hormones through genetic manipulation of microorganisms and plant materials. The paragraph further discusses the creation of biofuels from engineered energy crops and the use of GMO animals in scientific research and for human consumption. However, it also raises concerns about the potential risks associated with genetic engineering, including the possibility of unexpected allergies, the spread of foreign DNA to non-GMO organisms, and the potential for genetically modified animals to have unforeseen genetic deficiencies. The paragraph emphasizes the importance of thorough research and careful moderation of genetic engineering experiments to prevent long-term harm. It concludes with a question about the first genetically modified organism created in 1974, inviting viewers to participate in a quiz and engage with the content.

Keywords

💡Genetic Engineering

Genetic engineering is a process that involves altering the DNA structure of an organism by adding or removing genes to create a new genetic framework with desirable characteristics. In the context of the video, genetic engineering is a central theme, highlighting its potential to enhance traits in animals and plants, such as disease resistance or productivity. The script mentions how genetic engineering can be used to remove genes that cause vulnerability to diseases, thereby improving the health of organisms.

💡DNA

DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the molecule that carries the genetic instructions for the development, functioning, and reproduction of all known living organisms and many viruses. The video script emphasizes the role of DNA in determining the characteristics of organisms, and how genetic engineering manipulates DNA to introduce or eliminate specific traits, such as shiny fur in Samoyeds or loyalty in golden retrievers.

💡GMO (Genetically Modified Organism)

A genetically modified organism (GMO) is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. The video explains that GMOs are created by either fusing an organism's original DNA with foreign genes to introduce new traits or by removing certain genes to eliminate undesirable characteristics. Examples given in the script include the creation of high-yielding crops and disease-resistant plants.

💡Gene Cloning

Gene cloning is the process of creating an exact duplicate of base DNA material. The video script mentions that gene cloning is particularly useful in medical fields, as it can accelerate the rapid testing of vaccines and serums. It is a technique that allows for the replication of specific genes, which is crucial for research and development in biotechnology.

💡Machine Learning

Machine learning is a type of artificial intelligence that enables computers to learn and improve from experience without being explicitly programmed. The video script discusses how machine learning models, such as those developed by Google's DeepVariant and Deep Genomics, are used to facilitate easier drug tests and gene sequencing projects, streamlining the process of genetic research and development.

💡Genome

A genome is an organism's complete set of genetic information, encoded in DNA. The video script refers to genome structures and how scientists use genetic engineering to modify them. The term is used in the context of how genetic engineering can be applied to alter the genetic makeup of organisms to achieve specific outcomes, such as enhancing crop productivity or creating disease-resistant animals.

💡Recombinant DNA Technology

Recombinant DNA technology is a method used to combine DNA sequences that would not typically be found together, creating new combinations of genetic material. The video script explains that this technology is used to produce high-yielding grain and vegetable crops with enhanced nutritional value, disease resistance, and reduced need for fertilizers.

💡Tissue Culture Techniques

Tissue culture techniques involve the growth of cells, tissues, or organs outside their natural environment, typically in a laboratory setting. The video script mentions the use of tissue culture techniques in conjunction with recombinant DNA technology to produce genetically modified crops with improved characteristics.

💡Biofuels

Biofuels are fuels derived from biological materials, such as plants or animal waste. The video script discusses how energy crops and biofuels can be genetically engineered to grow rapidly and produce large amounts of biomass that can be converted into fuel oils, alcohols, or diesel, offering a renewable energy source.

💡Risks of Genetic Engineering

The video script acknowledges that there are risks associated with genetic engineering, such as the potential for unexpected allergic reactions to GMO foods, the spread of genetically altered foreign DNA to non-GMO plants and animals, and the possibility of genetically modified animals having unanticipated genetic deficiencies or diseases. These risks highlight the importance of thorough research and regulation in the field of genetic engineering.

Highlights

Household animals exhibit traits like shinier fur and strong immunity, which are influenced by their genetic makeup.

Certain dog breeds like Golden Retrievers are known for loyalty and human friendliness, while Samoyeds are recognized for their superior fur quality.

Life expectancy varies significantly between regions, such as African countries compared to North American nations, which may relate to genetic factors.

Genetic engineering can extract desirable qualities from one organism's genes and introduce them into others to spread these characteristics.

Removing genes associated with blood-related diseases can potentially eliminate such vulnerabilities in animals.

Agricultural profitability could be increased by genetically enhancing crops to reduce negative effects and improve yield.

Genetic engineering is the process of altering DNA by adding or removing genes to create organisms with desirable traits.

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are the result of genetic engineering applied to both animals and plants.

Bob Fraley's work in the 1980s laid the foundation for the production and study of genetically engineered organisms.

Breeding techniques have been used for years to modify animal features, but recent biotechnology advancements allow direct DNA alteration.

There are two main types of genetic engineering: fusion of foreign genes to introduce new traits, and removal of genes to eliminate unwanted characteristics.

Machine learning and AI have accelerated genome studies and made drug testing and gene sequencing projects more efficient.

Sophia Genetics uses AI models to prescribe personalized medications for cancer patients and other diseases.

Gene cloning is used to create exact DNA duplicates, which is beneficial for rapid testing of medical treatments like vaccines.

Genetic engineering is used to modify crop plants for increased productivity, nutritional value, and disease resistance.

Vaccines created with gene cloning technology are safe and free from contaminants.

Biofuels can be produced from bioengineered energy crops that grow rapidly and can be converted into various fuel types.

GMO animals are primarily used in scientific experiments to study gene functions and their impact on health and disease.

There are risks associated with genetic engineering, such as potential allergic reactions and the spread of foreign DNA to non-GMO organisms.

Genetically modified animals may have unforeseen genetic deficiencies or diseases, necessitating thorough research and regulation.

The first genetically modified organism created in 1974 was a mouse, marking a significant milestone in genetic engineering.

Transcripts

you must have seen some breeds of

household animals having especially

shinier fur or strong immunity to

certain diseases

you must have heard that golden

retrievers are one of the most loyal and

human friendly dogs whereas Samoyeds are

the ones that have one of the best furs

according to surveys even life

expectancy in African countries is

substantially lower than a North

American nations what kind of

characteristics affect these

fluctuations

most of these characteristics come from

the organism's genes or their DNA

structure to be specific

what if there was a way to extract these

desirable qualities from their genes and

give them to other organisms to spread

these characteristics

if a particular animal is at risk of

blood-related diseases removing the gene

that forces this vulnerability will help

remove this problem

similarly the agriculture industry would

be much more profitable if we could

enhance existing crops to reduce their

unnecessary effects

all of this is possible using genetic

engineering so what is genetic

engineering

genetic engineering is the process of

altering a DNA structure by either

adding or removing genes from it to form

a newer Gene framework with desirable

characteristics it can be applied to

both animals and plants since both are

living organisms with their own DNA

structures

the resultant organism is often called a

GMO a genetically modified organism

the production and study of genetically

engineered organisms became possible

after Bob Fraley among others

transformed plant cells with new DNA

fragments in the early 1980s humans have

been modifying creatures through

breeding for a long time

over many years breeders have had

techniques that make for certain animal

features such as corn cows and even dogs

but recent developments in biotechnology

have made it possible for researchers to

directly alter the DNA of animals plants

and microbes

there are usually two variations of

genetic engineering the first variant

has the original DNA structure of an

organism fused with some foreign genes

to introduce newer characteristics or

features in the resultant GMO for

example plant genes are often used with

certain germicidal cells to facilitate

long-term growth

the second type features the removal of

certain genes from a DNA structure to

eliminate certain Behavior or

characteristics that may be unwanted in

the GMO

for example removing a particular gene

or enzyme from a species reduces its

chances of falling prey to cancerous

tumors

with so much investment in digital

Scientology scientists don't have to

create thousands of experiments and

store them physically

experiments on genome structures are

further accelerated and easier to mass

propagate since the Advent of machine

learning and artificial learning

organizations like Google's deep variant

and deep genomics have machine learning

models to facilitate easier drug tests

and Gene sequencing projects another

institution Sophia genetics has made

progress using AI models to prescribe

personalized medications for cancer

patients and other diseases

scientists have also been able to

perform gene cloning which is

essentially the process of creating an

exact duplicate of Base DNA material

this is especially helpful in medical

Fields where gene cloning can accelerate

the rapid testing of vaccines and serums

but where does genetic engineering find

its use in today's world

1. genetic engineering technology is

widely used to modify crop plants

genotypes to increase their productivity

nutritional value protein content

resistance to disease and fertilizer

usage High yielding grain holes and

vegetable crops can be produced using

recombinant DNA technology and tissue

culture techniques two it is possible to

generate large quantities of important

medications vaccines enzymes and

hormones at minimal cost by manipulating

microorganisms and plant-based materials

vaccines created with gene cloning

technology do not possess any

contaminants and are completely safe

three

energy crops were biofuels that produce

large amounts of biomass that may be

turned into fuel oils alcohols diesel or

other petroleum products can now be

bioengineered to grow rapidly these

wastes can then be converted into energy

4. the majority of GMO animals are

created for use in scientific

experiments these animals serve as

models for studying the operation of

certain genes often concerning how the

genes affect health and illness however

some GMO animals like salmon fish are

created for human consumption

however there are a few risks associated

with genetic engineering the likelihood

of unexpected allergy risks from some

GMO Foods increases due to genetic

engineering another worries the

potential for the genetically altered

foreign DNA to spread to non-GMO plants

and animals

apart from food animals that have been

genetically modified may have

unanticipated genetic deficiencies or

diseases

research needs to be thorough and well

moderated before running these

experiments to avoid loss of life or

resources in the long run

so here is a question for you

which animal was the first genetically

modified organism created in 1974. one

Mouse two cat

three frog

give the correct answer in reasoning and

stand a chance to win an Amazon voucher

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the comments section and we will provide

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