- Biogenetics in living beings
- Biogenetics in animals
- Biogenetics in plants
- Biogenetics in humans
- Human Genome Project
- Importance of biogenetics
- References
The biogenetic or genetic engineering is the technique that handles to manipulate genetic material to alter the hereditary information of a cell and thus promoting the transfer of the DNA of a living organism to another, trying to correct genetic defects.
Genetic engineering tries to solve and cure diseases of genetic origin, such as infectious diseases. Through this method, scientists have the task of discovering the cure for cancer, HIV, diabetes or Alzheimer's, among others.
Similarly, biogenetics is responsible for applying scientific research in agriculture, animals, science and technology.
This branch of study is used to obtain drugs and chemical substances that allow to extend the life of the human being.
In 1973, scientists Stanley Cohen and Herbert Boyer exchanged the DNA of an organism, which began biogenetics. Later, in 1997, the first cloning of a mammal was made: Dolly the sheep.
Through these actions it is possible to improve human life through processes such as organ transplantation. For example, the United States currently performs about 20,000 organ transplants a year.
If theories such as xenotransplantation (transplantation of cells between organisms of different species that are close to each other) come to work, thousands of lives could be saved and diabetes patients worldwide could be cured.
Biogenetics in living beings
Biogenetics in animals
The alteration of DNA in animals has many consequences, such as the acceleration of the advancement of medicine, the increase in animal production, the manufacture of drugs and the cure of human diseases.
The first experiments with DNA transfer have been applied to fish. Given its external fertilization, it is possible to introduce the growth hormone gene more easily.
As a consequence of this, a higher production of transgenic salmon and trout has been achieved.
In 1974 the first genetic modification was achieved with transgenic mice, managing to obtain a variety of gene modifications.
Later tests were carried out with chimpanzees, but due to their danger of extinction they stopped experimenting with them and began to use pigs, since their DNA is very similar to that of humans.
One of the reasons the pig was selected is because of its rapid reproduction and its easy and profitable breeding.
Genetic engineering ensures that pig cells promote human proteins to prevent rejection of human organ transplants.
Sheep have also been used when manipulating milk production, inserting therapeutic proteins for the treatment of cystic fibrosis.
Likewise, fluorescent green worms are taken to different scientific trials to treat diseases such as Alzheimer's.
Proteins and a large amount of hormones, such as insulin and growth hormone, are obtained through mammals, as well as coagulation reagents.
Biogenetics in plants
In 1994 the first transgenic foods were obtained. There are currently more than forty genetically modified species.
It should be noted that biogenetics in plants has contributed to the advancement of medicine in the field of antibiotics and vaccines resistant to viruses and bacteria.
Through this scientific process, the fruit plants are altered with the sweet gene, which also controls the ripening slowly to preserve their freshness, color and texture, improving the flavor.
Thanks to genetic engineering in plants, different products are obtained that are produced in chemical industries, in pharmaceutical laboratories and in the agri-food sector.
Many modified foods are consumed daily, such as rice, strawberries, tomatoes, potatoes, soybeans, and synthetic cereal, which is a hybrid between wheat and rye.
Biogenetics in humans
Scientists are currently working on the manipulation of DNA in human beings, being able to alter embryos, eggs and sperm to correct the causes of multiple genetic diseases.
There is a possibility that genetic engineering in humans promotes the initiative of creating designer babies, specifying certain characteristics, including intellect and height, with a low level of probability of developing diseases.
Scientists around the world are working in their laboratories to reach the transhuman era.
The activities of scientists in fields such as genetics, robotics, artificial intelligence, bionics and nanotechnology have as their main objective to overcome human limitations.
Human Genome Project
The Human Genome Project began in 1990 and is considered the most ambitious technology company in history. Through this project it was possible to determine the complete sequence of genes.
Every living being is defined by its DNA code, which is a long chain of pairs made up of four different molecules called ATCG.
It is like a digital barcode that defines the human and only the combinations of these four elements differentiate each other.
The 3 billion letters that make up the genetic code contain the information necessary to create a liver, a heart or any other part of the human body.
Importance of biogenetics
Genetic engineering is classified as a manipulation of the design of God's creation, which is why there are different religious leaders who see such experiments as unnatural, and are against this cultural and scientific movement.
More than 4 thousand diseases have been discovered in a single gene, among them colon and lung cancer, morbid obesity, diseases in the brain, among others.
Over time, new questions have been raised in medicine and in the social sphere, through tests and scientific research that seek to satisfy human health problems.
The advance of biogenetics has provided man with knowledge of his own vital mechanisms, allowing to intervene in the genes and modify them for the evolution of the human species.
Through these actions, preventive medicine is guaranteed and prenatal diagnoses can be given to find altered genes in human fetuses.
References
- Biogenetics. Source: diclib.com
- Danielle Simmons. Genetic Inequality: Human Genetic Engineering. (2008). Source: nature.com
- Genetic Engineering in Agriculture. (2015). Source: ucsusa.org
- Genetic Engineering in Medicine. Source: govhs.org
- Genetically engineered foods. Source: medlineplus.gov