Genetic Engineering
Genetic engineering refers to the methods that allow the intentional manipulation of genetic material. It is done to repair, alter, enhance or suppress the form and functioning of a particular gene. It is sometimes also known as genetic modification.
It includes the transfer of genes, recombination, and synthesis of artificial genetic material. An organism that is created by the use of genetic engineering is referred to as a genetically modified organism (GMO). It is used in medicine, agriculture, industries, and biotechnological applications.
It is used in agriculture to produce crops with better quality and greater quantity. It is used in the medical industry to produce hormones, enzymes and vaccines. Gene knock-out and knock-in therapies have been developed to study the effect of a particular gene.
Recombinant DNA Technology
Recombinant DNA Technology (RDT), which emerged in the mid-twentieth century, helps create recombinant DNA molecules. It basically involves joining two DNA molecules from two different sources to form a recombinant DNA and introducing it into an organism’s genome via a vector to gain enhanced functioning of the gene.
When the Swiss microbiologist Werner Arber discovered restriction enzymes in 1968, the possibility of RDT arose. The restriction enzymes function to cleave DNA molecules at particular sites that can be joined with another cleaved DNA molecule to gain a recombinant DNA.
All in all, genetic engineering is a broader term used to describe all the techniques that can be used for the alteration and modification of DNA, whereas Recombinant DNA Technology is one of the techniques of genetic engineering that is used to produce recombinant DNA.
Genetic Engineering vs Recombinant DNA Technology
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Genetic Engineering |
Recombinant DNA Technology |
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Genetic Engineering refers to techniques used to intentionally manipulate genetic material to alter, repair, enhance or suppress the form and functioning of that particular molecule. |
Recombinant DNA technology is an important genetic engineering technique used to prepare recombinant DNA (rDNA) by combining cleaved DNA molecules from two different sources. |
Explore BYJU’S Biology for more detailed information.
Also Read:
- Difference between Gene Knockout and Knockdown
- Explore Biotechnology and Its Principles
- How Insulin is Produced through Genetic Engineering?
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different techniques of genetic engineering?
The different genetic engineering techniques include Microprojectile Bombardment, Electroporation, Microinjection, etc.
Why is recombinant DNA very useful in improving our health condition?
With the advancements in RDT, scientists can produce vaccines and hormones, such as insulin, interferon and growth factors that help in improving human health significantly.
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