Gene Manipulation

Scientists are optimistic they will succeed in expanding the following concepts in order to select a baby’s genes:

Gene manipulation- Gene manipulation, otherwise known as genetic engineering, refers to the addition of a new gene into an organism’s DNA. Gene manipulation involves the following steps. First, the desired gene is extracted from the donor’s DNA using restriction endonucleases, or more simply restriction enzymes. In this process, a DNA strand is cut at specific points and sticky ends are created, which allow for easy reattachment. Next, the cut gene is transferred into a vector molecule, usually a bacterial plasmid, and left to replicate. DNA plasmids generally replicate quickly and increase the number of copies of the gene. Then, the desired gene is “annealed” to the vector molecule by cutting the plasmid with the same restriction enzymes, and attaching the sticky ends of the bacterial plasmid to those of the new gene. Last, the bacterial plasmids are incorporated into the host cell. This can be accomplished by a sudden increase in temperature, which makes the cell membranes more permeable and allows the plasmids to enter.
Gene splicing- Gene splicing is the process in which genes are cut out of the DNA and new genes are added to replace them. (add animated step by step process)
Gel Electrophoresis- Gel Electrophoresis is a common method to separate macromolecules, in this case DNA, and their fragments based on size and charge. The smaller a fragment, the farther it moves in the positive direction of the charged gel. Gel Electrophoresis is often used to match crime scene DNA to that from a suspect, or a parent’s DNA to their potential child. (add animated step by step process)
Transgenic organism- A transgenic organism, also known as a Genetically Modified Organism (GMO), is a product of genetic engineering. It usually contains a desired trait that was not originally present. An example of a transgenic organism is a sweet peach that was previously small in size, but is now larger because it was given a “largeness” gene from a more sizable peach.