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Learn How A Genetically Engineered Organelle Can Improve Organisms

By Nancy Burns


The small structures that perform particular functions in animal and plant cells are referred to as organelles. They are deeply and firmly fixed in the walls of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. Organelles are similar to the internal organelles found in the human body. The functions of organelles enable cells to work as they should. Examples are controlling reproduction and growth of cells as well as generating energy. Basic processes such as respiration in cells and photosynthesis also occur in these structures. Examples of organelles include the vacuoles, nucleus, lysosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complex and chloroplast.

Genetic engineering makes it possible to modify organelles. Through genetic engineering, researchers are able to change the structure of the genes. This purposeful modification involves direct manipulation of the genetic profiles of organisms. The cells that have a genetically engineered organelle function differently. One or more traits that were not present in the organism can be identified.

Multiple copies of organelles exist in cells and they contain their own DNA. Once a new gene or artificial chromosome is introduced into an organelle, it gets multiplied by the cell. Consequently, new cells that have multiple copies of the introduced gene are produced. In some situations that may be induced, plant cells increase the copies of organelles in them. Therefore, the organelles that have been genetically engineered can secure multiple copies of the introduced DNA, causing the engineered genes to be expressed at a higher level.

One significant advantage of genetically engineering an organelle, especially the plant chloroplast is making the engineered plants produce more. This enables farmers to grow more food at an affordable rate. When food is more affordable, it is easier to feed hungry populations around the world.

The biotech industry also benefited from genetically engineered organelles in that it is possible to pass the foreign DNA to the next generation. These organelles are transferred as matching copies through maternal inheritance. Plants transfer matching copies to all seeds and female organelles to their offspring without changes. Consequently, the transfer of traits that are genetically engineered from one generation to another one is ensured.

Genetic engineering makes it possible to modify animals or plants. Their maturity can occur at a quicker rate. It can also allow maturity to take place outside of the typical and favorable growing conditions.

Organisms can also be genetically modified to resist the typical factors that cause death. For example, scientists can alter the set of characteristics, which are unique to the DNA of plants so that they can resist pests. This way, the plants can grow and mature without requiring pesticides. Scientists may also modify the set of characteristics, which are unique to the DNA of an animal so that it will not suffer from the health problems that usually affect that breed or species.

Genetic modification of organelles also enables researchers to create specific characteristics in plants and animals, making them better for use or eating. For instance, genetic modification can make animals produce more milk or have more muscle tissue. Through genetic engineering, researchers can also create new products by bringing different profiles together. An example is modifying the genetic profile of potato plants so that the nutrients per kilo calorie in potatoes will be higher.




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