Chapter 12.3, Problem 1CYP

Summary Introduction

To distinguish:

Between the transgenic and the genetically modified organisms.

Introduction:

The genetically modified organisms (GMO) are formed by the cloning and insertion of the gene into the genome of organisms. This confers new traits in these organisms after the induction of this gene inside the genome. For example: the induction of genes of resistance in the plants against insecticides.

The technique of genetic engineering is used in bacteria to clone some genes of economic value like insulin, human growth hormones, tissue plasminogen activator factor, and hepatitis B vaccine. High yielding varieties of fruits like bananas, apple and grapes have been formed, which are included under the category of genetically modified organisms.

The transgenic technology uses the embryonic stem cells, which have the ability to divide and differentiate. These cells are injected inside the body inside the organs, which are damaged and destroyed. It is used for curing diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson disease. The process of therapeutic cloning was used to generate clones of animals like dolly sheep.