What is genetic engineering?

Genetic engineering is a laboratory technique usedengineering to insert this ‘anti-freeze’
by scientists to change the DNA of livinggene into a tomato. This makes it possible to
organisms.extend the growing season of the tomato.
DNA is the blueprint for the individuality of anHistory of GE
organism. The organism relies upon theThe concept was first introduced by an Australian
information stored in its DNA for themonk named Gregor Mendel in the 19th century.
management of every biochemical process. TheHis many experiments cemented a foundation for
life, growth and unique features of the organismfuture scientists and for the founding concepts in
depend on its DNA. The segments of DNA whichthe study of genetics.
have been associated with specific features orThroughout Mendel’s life, he was a victim of
functions of an organism are called genes.criticism and ridicule by his fellow monks for his
Molecular biologists have discovered many“foolish” experiments. It took 35 years
enzymes which change the structure of DNA inuntil he was recognized for his experiments and
living organisms. Some of these enzymes can cutknown for the selective breeding process.
and join strands of DNA. Using such enzymes,Mendel’s discoveries made scientists wonder
scientists learned to cut specific genes from DNAhow information was transferred from parent to
and to build customized DNA using these genes.offspring and whether the information could be
They also learned about vectors, strands of DNAcaptured and/or manipulated.
such as viruses, which can infect a cell and insertJames D. Watson and Francis H. C. Crick were
themselves into its DNA.curious scientists who later became known as the
With this knowledge, scientists started to buildfounding fathers of genetic engineering.
vectors which incorporated genes of theirWatson and Crick wanted to determine how
choosing and used the new vectors to insertgenetic blueprints are determined and they also
these genes into the DNA of living organisms.proposed that DNA structures are genetic
Genetic engineers believe they can improve themessengers or that chemical compounds of
foods we eat by doing this. For example,proteins and amino acids all come together as a
tomatoes are sensitive to frost. This shortensway to rule out characteristics and traits. These 2
their growing season. Fish, on the other hand,scientists produced a code of DNA and thus
survive in very cold water. Scientists identified aanswered the question of how characteristics are
particular gene which enables a flounder to resistdetermined. They also established that DNA are
cold and used the technology of geneticthe building blocks of all organisms.