Background
Genetic modification may be a term tossed around commonly today in the scientific world, however it's not very apparent how it started or maybe to some people what it really is. It like many other scientific advances, began as an idea but became one of the most prominent innovations in science worldwide.
Origin of Genetic Modification
Genetic engineering began gaining momentum in 1953 with the discovery of DNA's double helix structure by James Watson and Francis Crick. Learning this helped scientists better understand how DNA worked, and later allowed them to test its capabilities. In 1973 a method for cutting and splicing DNA developed, today known as recombinant DNA, or rDNA. By using plasmids with the rDNA technique, it became simple to interchange different organisms DNA. This knowledge allowed scientists to learn how to move DNA between organisms, plants to animals or animals to plants, giving the idea of putting desirable traits in organisms that do not naturally have them.
Thus, genetic modification began gaining prominence over selective breeding, allowing scientist to exchange desirable traits between organisms. This sparked goals such as improving the nutritional quality of crops and reducing needs for herbicides, giving genetic engineering a reason to be pursued. All over the globe countries began genetically engineering crops to satisfy their needs and the idea of genetic modification skyrocketed.
To better understand the specifics of rDNA and plasmids, watch this video explaining how the technique works. (Video Citation 2)
This map shows all the countries that have genetically modified crops. The darker it is highlighted, the more crops they have. (Image Citation 23)
Improvements and Advances in Genetic Modification
Genetic modification is a rather technical process in which genes are transferred between organisms. In order to create a genetically modified organisms using rDNA, it is required you have the desired gene, the organism you want to transfer it to, and a vector that will actually carry the gene between organisms. Then using a restriction endonuclease, the DNA will be cut at certain spots and read for specific DNA sequences. Then the desirable trait is put into a vector and transferred to the organism going to receive it.
However, there are now other methods that can be used to transfer genes between organisms. One method is microinjection where the desired genetic material is simply injected into the recipient cell. Bioballistics on the other hand are projectile methods, where genetic material is attemped to be "shot" into the recipiant cell; it is also referred to some times as the gene gun. An image of the microinjection technique can be found above and to the left is a video of the gene gun technique.
Here is a video showing the gene gun technique. (Video Citation 3)
Challenges and Ambitions With Genetic Modification
Genetic modification has faced its fair share of opposition over the years as not everyone finds genetically modified organisms to be ethical. People mainly find religious issues and think that genetic modification is "playing God" and should not be continued. However, it has also faced some legal debates, one of which being labeling of genetically modified foods, because many people seem to be afraid of unknown consequences to genetic engineering.
Although they have faced a lot of opposition, scientists still have high hopes for genetic modification. They use it to minimize the risk for hereditary diseases and tailor make organisms to have the traits they want. Future ambitions that scientists hope to achieve are big strides such as ending world hunger or creating an eternally stable agriculture.
