Ans. Genetic Engineering
Genetic engineering or. recombinant DNA technology involves the artificial synthesis, modification, removal, addition and repair of the genetic material (DNA).
Genetic engineering developed in the mid-1970s when it became possible to cut DNA and to transfer particular pieces of DNA from one type of organism into another. As a result, the characteristics of the host organism could be changed. If host organism is a microorganism, such as a bacterium, the transferred DNA is multiplied many times as the microorganism multiplies. Consequently, it is possible to obtain millions of copies of a specific DNA inside a bacterial cell.
Objectives of Genetic Engineering
The important objectives of genetic engineering are as follows.
• Isolation of a particular gerje or part of a gene for various purposes such as gene therapy.
• Production of particular RNA and protein molecules.
• Improvement in the production of enzymes,.drugs and commercially important organic chemicals.
• Production of varieties of plants having particular desirable characteristics.
• Treatment of genetic defects in higher organisms.