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Gene Technology

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Gene technology carries with it social and ethical implications—many of which engender personal views and discussion.

Select one (1) of the following biotechnology topics to write about: * Genetically modified animals

1. Biological basis. Describe the technology. Discuss what it accomplishes. Elaborate on the scientific principles that make this technology possible. Your goal in this section of the paper is to show the instructor that you understand the underlying science behind the technology. Describe how exactly the technology works. Discuss the biological principles that underlie this technology.

Genetic engineering is the use of tools of modern biotechnology and molecular biology to introduce new characteristics or traits into organisms. It is a laboratory process where genes from the DNA of one species are extracted and forced into the genes of an unrelated plant or animal to introduce new genetic material, or delete or alter existing genetic material. Genetic engineering comes from foreign genes of bacteria, viruses, insects, animals or even humans which enables people to introduce a much wider range of new characteristics into an organism than is possible by conventional breeding.

Animals that have had genes artificially added or removed from their DNA are described as genetically modified animals. Genetic modification of an animal involves altering its genetic material by adding, changing or removing certain DNA orders in a way that does not occur naturally. It aims to modify specific characteristics of an animal or introduce a new trait, such as disease resistance or enhanced growth. Changes proposed in an animal’s genetic make-up can be transmitted through generations because DNA is the genetic material of an organism and carries the instructions for all the characteristics that an organism inherits.

2. Social and ethical

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