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The genomes of eukaryotic organisms are enormous and contain millions of nucleotide sequences that form their genes Finding a specific gene amidst the DNA molecules of these huge genomes is like searching for a needle in a haystack Since the discovery of restriction enzymes in the 1970s, genetic engineers have developed a number of innovative ways of locating and isolating genes As these methods have developed, geneticists have been able to isolate specific genes and incorporate them into host cells to create transgenic organisms The ability to detect and isolate genes is at the core of this technology and, as more and more genes are obtained and studied, it is hoped that this science will bring with it many health, economic and social benefits Using this technology, cells have been converted into living pharmaceutical factories; domesticated animals and crop plants have been modified to improve the efficiency of food production and an understanding of genetic disease has been greatly enhanced Gene Technology - Obtaining Genes

The manufacture of human insulin and human growth hormone represent two of the earliest successes of gene technology Since that time, a number of other human proteins with medical uses have been successfully manufactured using this technology Factor V111 – used to prevent bleeding in haemophiliacs Interferons – used to fight viral infections Erythropoietin – used to stimulate red blood cell production in kidney patients Tissue plasma activator (TPA) – used to dissolve blood clots that block coronary arteries, causing heart attacks Human Proteins and Gene Technology

In addition to the manufacture of human proteins, gene technology is being extensively used and researched in a variety of different industries In the agricultural industry, gene technology has been used to improve the quality of fruits, to reduce the effects of pests on crop plants and to increase productivity These older, already reddened tomatoes tend to become ‘mushy’ during transport due to the action of an enzyme manufactured by the tomato cells Traditionally tomatoes are harvested whilst they are green and firm, and then ripened after transport by treatment with ethene gas Gene technologists have created genes that prevent the ‘mushy enzyme’ from being transcribed The introduction of these genes into tomato plants created tastier, ‘mush-resistant’ tomatoes known as the ‘Flavr Savr’ variety Further Applications of Gene Technology Better tasting tomatoes are those that have been allowed to ripen on the vine

A particularly potent herbicide called Basta is used extensively throughout the world because of its ability to kill most weeds As this herbicide also kills crop plants, it is necessary to apply the chemical to agricultural land before the crop plants begin to grow Genetic engineers have developed specialised plasmids that are able to transfer the gene for resistance to Basta into crop plant cells This genetically engineered oilseed rape crop is resistant to the herbicide Basta and the land can be treated with with this chemical whilst the crop is growing Further Applications of Gene Technology

The cloning of plants and animals is generally viewed by gene technologists as a means to improve a particular breed or variety Cloning is also seen as a means of introducing genes into animals so that they will produce a variety of useful chemicals for man In 1996, scientists at the Roslin Institute in Scotland created the much-publicised ‘Dolly’ the sheep Dolly was created by injecting a nucleus from a mammary cell of a sheep into an egg cell without a nucleus This ‘fertilised egg’ developed into Dolly who is therefore a genetic clone of the sheep from which the nucleus was taken The creation of Dolly has aroused world-wide interest and concern about the possibility of human cloning Cloning and genetic modification of human individuals is banned by international law but there remain ethical implications for the whole field of gene technology Further Applications of Gene Technology

Gene technology is a powerful technology offering potentially enormous benefits – but it is not without risks Gene technology modifies the genetic make-up of living organisms and, as such, is viewed by some as unnatural and potentially harmful Legislation and regulations set standards for the responsible application and use of genetically engineered organisms Various bodies are involved in decision-making regarding the use of gene technology and these include: ACRE – The Advisory Committee on Release to the Environment GMAC – The Genetic Manipulation Advisory Committee The Department of the Environment The Department of the Health An EU committee that considers the ethical aspects of biotechnology Various committees representing the Food and Agricultural Industries Risks, Benefits and Ethical Implications of Gene Technology

Public opinion and various committees have raised some concerns regarding certain aspects of gene technology The release of genetically modified organisms into the environment has the potential to disturb the balance of the ecosystem and is a threat to biodiversity The consumption of genetically modified foods may have unforeseen effects in humans The cloning of human embryos for research purposes could be exploited by some to create ‘designer babies’ The technology increases the risk of biological warfare Some Concerns of Gene Technology

Increased productivity of essential crop plants, e.g. breeding insect and disease resistant plants The improvement of farm animals, e.g. milk yields in cattle More efficient methods of Industrial Waste Management Faster and more reliable diagnostic tests for human disease The use of gene therapy for treating genetic disorders The use of genetic fingerprinting in tracking down criminals Effective vaccine and drug manufacture - gene technologists have made promising progress towards understanding the malarial parasite and the HIV virus that causes AIDS, and are developing vaccines to prevent them Benefits of Gene Technology - Examples for Discussion

Questions for Discussion Should the living organisms/products resulting from gene technology become a commercial property through patenting? Do gene technology decision-making processes take into account the cultural, moral and religious beliefs of a multicultural society? Should we engineer living organisms to generate products useful to humans? Can we be sure that animals used for gene technology do not suffer? Is the cloning of human embryos for research purposes acceptable? Who will have access to the genetic information obtained about individuals? Are all genetically modified foods clearly labelled to allow full and informed customer choice? Moral and Ethical Implications of Gene Technology