Book Description

Genetics and Genetic Engineering explores the great discoveries in genetics-the study of genes and the inherited information they contain. Genetic engineering alters the genetic make-up of an organism using techniques that remove heritable material or that introduce DNA prepared outside the organism either directly into the host or into a cell that is then fused or hybridized with the host. This involves using recombinant nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) techniques to form new combinations of heritable genetic material followed by the incorporation of that material either indirectly through a vector system or directly through micro-injection, macro-injection and micro-encapsulation techniques. Genetic engineering, also called genetic modification, is the direct manipulation of an organism's genes using biotechnology. It is a set of technologies used to change the genetic makeup of cells, including the transfer of genes within and across species boundaries to produce improved or novel organisms. New DNA is obtained by either isolating or copying the genetic material of interest using recombinant DNA methods or by artificially synthesizing the DNA. A construct is usually created and used to insert this DNA into the host organism. The first recombinent DNA molecule was made by Paul Berg in 1972 by combining DNA from the monkey virus SV40with the lambda virus. As well as inserting genes, the process can be used to remove, or "e;knock out"e;, genes. The new DNA can be inserted randomly, or targeted to a specific part of the genome. This book will prove equally useful for physicians, nurses, animal breeders, and laboratory technicians-in fact, everyone whose daily work involves genetics and genetic engineering.