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mardi 26 février 2019

Learn How A Genetically Engineered Organelle Can Improve Organisms

By Nancy Burns


An organelle is a small structure that performs a particular function in a cell. It is fixed firmly and deeply within the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells and prokaryotic cells. An organelle can be described as an organ of the cell. This structure performs functions that enable a cell to work in the right way. Examples of the functions of organelles include generating energy controlling reproduction and growth of cells. Photosynthesis and cell respiration also occur within the organelles. Examples of the organelles found in the cells of animals and plants are vacuoles, ribosomes, lysosomes, Golgi complex, chloroplast, endoplasmic reticulum and nucleus.

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.

Genetic engineering, particularly that of plant chloroplasts is beneficial. One benefit if that the level of productivity in plants that have undergone this process increases. Farmers can therefore produce more food cost effectively. If food is cheap, then it would be easier to feed people worldwide.

Another essential promise for genetically engineered organelles for the biotech industry is that the foreign DNA can be passed to the next generation. The organelles are transferred through maternal inheritance as matching copies. Female animals transfer matching copies to their offspring and plants to all the seeds they produce, without changes. This can ensure the stability of genetically engineered traits from one generation to the other.

Plants and animals can also be modified through genetic engineering. They can be modified so that they mature faster. Genetic engineering can also enable plants to grow and mature even if the growing conditions are unfavorable.

When organisms are genetically engineered, they can also develop resistance to the usual forms of death. For example, pest resistance can be included in the genetic profile of a plant so that it can mature without needing pesticides. The genetic profile of an animal can also be engineered to reduce its risk of suffering from common health problems that affect the 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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