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Genetic
Engineering
Introduction
Genetic Engineering (GE) is a
highly complicated and advanced
branch of science which involves a
wide range of techniques used in
changing the genetic material in the
DNA code in a living organism.
'Genetic Engineering' means the
deliberate modification of the
characters of an organism by the
manipulation of its genetic
material. Genetic engineering
comes under the broad heading of
Biotechnology. There is a great
scope in this field as the demand
for genetic engineers are growing in
India as well as abroad.
A cell is the
smallest living unit, the basic
structural and functional unit of
all living matter, whether a plant,
an animal, humans or a fungus. While
some organisms are single celled,
others like plants, animals, humans
etc are made up of a lot more cells.
For eg humans have approximately 3
million cells. A cell is composed of
a 'cell membrane' enclosing the
whole cell, many 'organelles'
equivalent to the organs in the body
and a 'nucleus' which is the command
centre of the cell. Inside the
nucleus are the chromosomes which is
the storage place for all genetic
(hereditary) information which
determines the nature and
characteristics of an organism. This
information is written along the
thin thread, called DNA, a nucleic
acid which constitutes the genes
(units of heredity). The DNA governs
cell growth and is responsible for
the transmission of genetic
information from one generation to
the next.
Genetic
engineering aims to re-arrange the
sequence of DNA in gene using
artificial methods. The work of a
genetic engineer involves extracting
the DNA out of one organism,
changing it using chemicals or
radiation and subsequently putting
it back into the same or a different
organism. For eg: genes and segments
of DNA from one species is taken and
put into another species. They also
study how traits and characteristics
are transmitted through the
generations, and how genetic
disorders are caused. Their research
involves researching the causes and
discovering potential cures if any.
Genetic
engineering have specialisations
related to plants, animals and human
beings. Genetic engineering in
plants and animals may be to improve
certain natural characteristics of
value, to increase resistance to
disease or damage and to develop new
characteristics etc. It is used to
change the colour, size, texture etc
of plants otherwise known as GM
(Genetically Modified) foods. GE
in humans can be to correct severe
hereditary defects by introducing
normal genes into cells in place of
missing or defective ones.
Eligibility :
The basic eligibility criteria for a
graduate degree (BE / B.Tech) is
10+2 or equivalent examination, with
Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics
as well as genetics as part of the
biology OR a bachelors degree in
science or molecular biology. Click
here to know more
Career Options
& Job Prospects : There is
an increasing demand for genetic
engineers in India as well as
abroad. Genetic engineers are mainly
absorbed in medical and
pharmaceutical industries, the
agricultural sector, and the
research and development departments
of the government and private
sectors. They can also take up
teaching as an option. Click
here to know more
Remunerations
: Genetic Engineers with a
postgraduate degree can earn between
5000 Rs to 8000Rs Click
here to know more
Institutes :
Genetics is offered at the
undergraduate level, at Kakatiya
University, Warangal and Osmania
University, Hyderabad, both in
Andhra Pradesh. Click
here to know more
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