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ecoglobe:
genetic engineering biotechnology - basics
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| Some basic GE concepts related to agriculture and medicine [further issues] | |
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| Basic concept |
1.1
Genetic engineering biotechnology aims at modifying
hereditary properties of organisms. These properties are located
in the genes of humans, animals, plants, bacteria and viruses. The biotechnology research institutes and industry make use of elaborate high-tech equipment in order to create novel organisms. Genes and parts of genes (DNA) are taken from one species and merged with the genetic material from another organism. 1.2 GE is technically "early-days" and imprecise. The insertion of a new gene can not be guided to a predetermined position in the genetic structure of the receiving organism. 1.3 The properties of the organism with an introduced new gene cannot be predicted. We have insufficient knowledge of the ways in which properties are expressed. 1.4 The properties of genetically modified organism seem to be unstable since the organism tries to reestablish its original stable structure. |
| GE and Agriculture |
2.1
GE is not the same as normal breeding. Genetic engineering is an
industrial technology that is fundamentally different from
normal breeding by cross-pollination or mating. Genetic engineering
combines the genetic material of different species that would
never combine in nature or with traditional farming methods. Calling traditional agricultural enhancement of animal and crop qualities "engineering" is misleading terminology. |
| GE and medicine |
... This page is under construction. Everybody is invited to contribute to its contents. Email |
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... further scientific points to be added
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| Pages hosted by ecoglobe: | GE CHANCES | GE FREEZE | NZ Organics 2000 |