APPLICATIONS AND FUTURE PROSPECTS OF GENETIC ENGINEERING: A NEW GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Genetic engineering (GE) is often termed as gene manipulation or recombinant DNA technology with all three often used interchangeably--implying to the manipulation and alteration of the genetic make-up of an organism through introduction of certain traits of interest. It is a combination of techniques used for identification, replication, modification and transfer of genetic material. The techniques mentioned above are by and large in place since the 1970’s and has found its applications in fields like agriculture, pharmaceuticals, health, environment and industry. With the advancement of GE, its application area is also broadened which gives an advantage to the humans such as various genetic disorder are now curable through this technique which was not possible in earlier period. The applications of GE in medical science include production of vaccines, proteins, growth hormones and treatment of many diseases and genetic disorders such as Down’s syndrome, cystic fibrosis, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and Huntington’s disease through gene therapy, animal breeds with superior traits and transgenic animals for biomedical research. GE is also taking strides in making the environment a better place for all living organisms by reducing toxic elements through various methods. Transgenic plants with desirable traits such as herbicide tolerance, resistance towards pests, stress tolerance (biotic and abiotic) and enhanced nutritional values. In agriculture, the applications of genetic engineering are most pronounced in producing genetically modified food (GMF). Various regulations for GE have been introduced. The level of acceptance and awareness is much higher in developed countries while developing countries face certain challenges in this regard.