REVOLUTIONS IN GENETIC TECHNOLOGY-AN ABSTRACT
Introduction
Throughout evolution one of the most primary aims of man has been to find the cure for all diseases. This pursuit led to the discovery of such groundbreaking drugs such as penicillin and vaccines for rabies and anthrax. And medical processes such as chemotherapy to treat cancer. But as humans have evolved so have the disease causing micro organisms. So in order to find the true cure we had to take up the study of genetics or the gene structure of the human body. The perfect cure still eludes us but we have managed to make some really great progresses in the field such as recombinant DNA technology, cloning, assisted reproduction and gene profiling.
RECOMBINANT DNA TECHNOLOGY
Recombinant DNA (rDNA) molecules are DNA sequences that result from the use of laboratory methods to bring together genetic material from multiple sources, creating sequences that would not otherwise be found in biological organisms. Recombinant DNA is widely used in biotechnology, medicine and research. This technology can now be used to develop recombinant human insulin, growth hormone and insect and disease resistant crops.
ASSISSTED REPRODUCTION
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is a general term referring to methods used to achieve pregnancy by artificial or partially artificial means. It is reproductive technology used primarily in infertility treatments. Some forms of ART are also used in fertile couples for genetic reasons. ART is also used in couples who are discordant for certain communicable diseases, e.g. AIDS, to reduce the risk of infection when a pregnancy is desired.
The Essay on Genetic Technology Dna Humans Plant
DNA After staying on the plant Earth reaching the human genetic technology, I have come up with this report the four things I am going to talk about in this report are: 1) What is the chemical basis of the plant Earth 2) What do human mean by " genetic technology' and how is it possible 3) How have human used this technology 4) Are humans concerned about this technology 1) The chemical basis of ...
METHODS:
1)Fertility Medication
2) Transvaginal Ovum Retrieval
3) Embryo Transfer
4) Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer
5) Cryopreservation
CLONING
Cloning in biotechnology refers to processes used to create copies of DNA fragments, cells , or organisms. The term clone is derived from κλῶνος, the Greek word for “trunk, branch”, referring to the process whereby a new plant can be created from a twig. In horticulture.
CLONING IN stem cell RESEARCH
Somatic cell nuclear transfer, known as SCNT, can also be used to create embryos for research or therapeutic purposes. The most likely purpose for this is to produce embryos for use in stem cell research. This process is also called “research cloning” or “therapeutic cloning.” The goal is not to create cloned human beings (called “reproductive cloning”), but rather to harvest stem cells that can be used to study human development and to potentially treat disease.
ETHICAL DEBATES
The idea of cloning has been a topic of debate mainly in religious circles. Christianity believes life begins at conception and is as a wholeopposed to the idea of cloning. Judaism on the other hand has no such objections. From the standpoint of classical liberalism, concerns also exist regarding the protection of the identity of the individual and the right to protect one’s genetic identity.
DNA PROFILING
DNA profiling is a technique employed by forensic scientists to assist in the identification of individuals by their respective DNA profiles. DNA profiles are encrypted sets of numbers that reflect a person’s DNA makeup, which can also be used as the person’s identifier. It is used in criminal investigation and parental testing.
The process begins with a sample of an individual’s DNA. The methods used maybe:-
The Essay on Genetic Cloning 2
On February 24, 1997 news broke globally that Ian Wilmut of the Roslin Institute in Scotland had successfully cloned the genetic material of an adult sheep and had created the infant Dolly. The discovery instantly caught the world’s attention because Dolly had only one parent; Dolly had been formed by transferring the genetic material of an adult female into one of its own embryos. This ...
1) Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis
2) Polymerase chain reaction analysis
3) Short tandem repeats analysis
Amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis
CASES IN WHICH THIS METHOD WAS USED
1) The trial of Robert Pickton (convicted in December 2003) is notable in that DNA evidence is being used primarily to identify the victims, and in many cases to prove their existence.
2) In December 2005, Evan Simmons was proven innocent of a 1981 attack on an Atlanta woman after serving twenty-four years in prison. Mr. Clark is the 164th person in the United States and the fifth in Georgia to be freed using post-conviction DNA testing.
3) In March 2009, Sean Hodgson who spent 27 years in jail, convicted of killing Teresa De Simone, 22, in her car in Southampton 30 years ago was released by senior judges. Tests prove DNA from the scene was not his. British police have now reopened the case.
GENETIC TESTING
Genetic Testing is among the newest and most sophisticated of techniques used to test for genetic disorders which involves direct examination of the DNA molecule itself.
Genetic tests are used for several reasons, including:
• carrier screening, which involves identifying unaffected individuals who carry one copy of a gene for a disease that requires two copies for the disease to be expressed
• preimplantation genetic diagnosis (see the side bar, Screening Embryos for Disease)
GENETIC COUNSELLING
Genetic counseling is the process by which patients or relatives, at risk of an inherited disorder, are advised of the consequences and nature of the disorder, the probability of developing or transmitting it, and the options open to them in management and family planning
Families or individuals may choose to attend counseling or undergo prenatal testing for a number of reasons.
• Family history of a chromosome abnormality
• Molecular test for single gene disorder
STEM CELL RESEARCH
Stem cells are biological cells found in all multicellular organisms, that can divide through mitosis and differentiate into diverse specialized cell types and can self renew to produce more stem cells. In adult organisms, stem cells and progenitor cells act as a repair system for the body, replenishing adult tissues. In a developing embryo, stem cells can differentiate into all the specialized cells, but also maintain the normal turnover of regenerative organs, such as blood, skin, or intestinal tissues.
The Term Paper on Gene They Therapy Genetic Disease
Human Gene Therapy "To much of the general public, genetic engineering is a vague notion of high tech manipulation of plants and animals. Its results too difficult to understand" (Cowen 18). It was not until this century that humans were granted a glimpse into the possible origins of biological inheritance. Scientists have only been aware of the existence of the hereditary factors, known as genes, ...
TREATMENTS
A number of adult stem cell therapies already exist, particularly bone marrow transplants that are used to treat leukemia. In the future, medical researchers anticipate being able to use technologies derived from stem cell research to treat a wider variety of diseases including cancer, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, and muscle damage.
human genome PROJECT
The Human Genome Project (HGP) is an international scientific research project with a primary goal of determining the sequence of chemical base pairs which make up DNA, and of identifying and mapping the approximately 20,000–25,000 genes of the human genome from both a physical and functional standpoint. The Human Genome Project originally aimed to map the nucleotides contained in a human haploid reference genome. The “genome” of any given individual (except for identical twins and cloned organisms) is unique; mapping “the human genome” involves sequencing multiple variations of each gene.
BENEFITS
It is anticipated that detailed knowledge of the human genome will provide new avenues for advances in medicine and biotechnology. Genetic tests can be administered to show predisposition to a variety of illnesses such as breast cancer, hemostasis disorders, cystic fibrosis, liver diseases and many others. Also, the etiologies for cancers, Alzheimer’s disease
Advantages of Human Genome Project:
1. Knowledge of the effects of variation of DNA among individuals can revolutionize the ways to diagnose, treat and even prevent a number of diseases that affects the human beings.
The Essay on A Look At The Human Genome Projecta Project
... disease originates and comparing it with the data of a normal or healthy gene. The entire research project is entitled "The Human Genome Project.' "The Human Genome Project' ... "New Gene Forges Link Between Fragile Site and Many Cancers,' Science (May 3, 1996) pg. 649. ... genetic engineering to treat genetic disorders by "introducing genes into existing cells to prevent or cure diseases'. Most of the ...
2. It provides clues to the understanding of human biology
Conclusion
Even though genetic engineering is very much in its primitive stages now, we can hope to cure and even wipe out diseases that are transmitted genetically and create the ideal human being. Maybe genetic modifications can be utilized to create a superior race of human beings and train them for special functions such as the military. With advancement in stem cell research, amputations will become a thing of the past and new limbs can be grown and used by the affected person. All this ideas at a time like this might seem straight out of science fiction books and novels but let us not forget that reality is based on fiction, if Da Vinci had not envisioned the aeroplane, travel would still take a long time, if H.G Wells had not envisioned man traveling to the moon, the Apollo missions could still be a dream. All we need is vision and belief in our abilities and we have the power to change the world.
