Ans. Achievements of Genetic Engineering
Various achievements of genetic engineering are as follows.
Medicine
• Human insulin gene was transferred into bacteria. The genetically modified bacteria became able to synthesize insulin. Diabetics are now receiving this insulin., Before genetic engineering, 500,000 sheep brains were required to produce 5 mg human growth hormone which like insulin is being obtained very cheap. "
• In 1977 an E. coli bacterium was created that was capable of synthesizing the human growth hormone.
• The hormone thymosin which may prove effective against brain and lung cancer has been produced by genetically modified microorganisms.
• Beta-endorphin, a pain killer produced by the brain, has also been produced by genetic engineering techniques.
• Genetic engineers produced a safe vaccine against the foot and mouth
disease (a viral disease in'cattle, goats and deer). Similarly many vaccines have been produced against human diseases such as hepatitis B.
• Interferons are anti-viral proteins produced by cells infected with viruses. !n 1980, interferon was produced in the genetically modified microorganisms; for the first time.
• The enzyme urokinase, which is used to dissolve blood clots, has been produced by genetically modified microorganisms." "
• Now it has become possible to modify the genes in the human egg cell. This can lead to the elimination of inherited diseases like heamophilia.
Genetic engineering techniques can also be used to cure blood diseases like thalassemia and sickle-cell anaemia, which result from defects in single genes Normal genes could be transferred into the bone marrow.
Agriculture
Genetic engineers have developed plants that can fix nitrogen directly from the atmosphere. Such plants need less fertilizers.
TRANSGENIC.(organisms with modified genetic set.up)plants are being
developed; in which desirable characteristics are present e.g. more yields and resistance against diseases, insects and herbicides.
Environment
• Microbes, are being developed to be used as biopesticides, biofertilizers, biosensors etc. Such transgenic microorganisms are also used for the recovery of metals, cleaning of spilled oils and for many other purposes.
• Bacterial enzymes are used to treat sewage water to-purify.