Transgenic organisms are created by inserting DNA from one species into the genome of another using a virus, plasmid, or gene gun. This can be done for a variety of reasons, such as making crops more nutritious or creating transgenic mice for medical research. However, there is controversy surrounding the practice due to concerns about unforeseen consequences and potential health risks.
A transgenic organism is an organism that has been modified with genetic material from another species. Genetic modification is accomplished by inserting DNA into an embryo with the assistance of a virus, plasmid, or gene gun. The embryo is allowed to develop and the mature organism will express the DNA that has been inserted into its genome. Transgenic organisms can also pass the modification on to future generations by mating with other members of the same species.
Organisms can be genetically modified for a variety of reasons. Genetic modification can be done to make organisms more vigorous, to add resistance to specific threats, or for the purpose of expressing a particular trait. It can be used for everything from adding nutrition to staple crops that benefit people in developing countries, to brightening fish so they can be sold as premium pets.
While species cannot interbreed, as a general rule, DNA from one species can express itself in another. This is because DNA codes for the same thing no matter where it is found, so if a researcher can determine which part of an organism’s genome codes for a particular trait, and the trait is compatible with the organism being modified, the DNA can be inserted successfully for causes the character to be expressed in a different species.
One of the most common reasons for developing a transgenic organism is in agriculture, where the development of genetically modified crops has led to a number of advances in the way agriculture is practiced. This organism may grow in areas where other members of the species cannot, may be easier to harvest and handle, may be more hardy, may hold more nutrition, and so on. In some cases, organisms are rendered sterile so that they cannot interbreed, in order to protect patents and prevent transgenic organisms from interbreeding with wild relatives.
Another area where some transgenic organisms are used is scientific research. Transgenic mice, for example, are used for a variety of studies where researchers want to be able to study a species’ traits in a more convenient setting. Mice can be modified with human DNA for the purpose of testing medical treatments and seeing how they might behave in a human.
There is some controversy surrounding the practice of genetic modification. Some proponents are concerned that crossbreeding transgenic and wild organisms could have unforeseen consequences, and others worry that consuming things like transgenic organisms could be dangerous.
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