Unique Content Article: Learn What A Genetically Engineered Organelle Does

Learn What A Genetically Engineered Organelle Does


by Nancy Burns


Organelles are small structures, which perform specific functions in a cell. They are embedded within the cytoplasm of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Organelles are analogous to the internal organs of the body. They are specialized and carry out functions that allow cells to function normally like generating energy for cells and controlling the growth as well as reproduction of cells. Fundamental processes like cell respiration and photosynthesis also take place in the organelles. Some examples of the organelles found in animal and plant cells include the nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, ribosomes, Golgi complex, lysosomes, chloroplast and vacuoles.

Modifying organelles through the genetic engineering process is possible. Genetic engineering allows scientists to alter the structure of genes. This is a deliberate modification that involves manipulating the genetic material of an organism directly. A genetically engineered organelle can give cells a new function. One or several traits that were not found in the organism in the past can be seen.

Cells have several copies of organelles and they contain their own DNA. Once foreign genes or artificial chromosomes are inserted into organelles, the cells multiply them. This leads to the creation of new cells that have many copies of the inserted genes. At times the plant cells can increase the copies of the organelles. Consequently, genetically engineered cells are able to secure a number of copies of the DNA, which has been inserted. This leads to increased level of expression of the engineered genes.

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.

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.

The genetic engineering of organelles also enables researchers to change the way plants and animals grow. Maturity can take place faster. Plants can also mature even if the typical growing conditions are absent.

Genetic modification also helps to create resistance to typical forms of organism death. For instance, it is possible to include pest resistance to the genetic profiles of plants so that they may mature as crops without further additives. The genetic profiles of animals can also be modified to mitigate the risks of common health concerns which can affect the species or breed.

Modifying the organelles of cells also allows scientists to develop specific traits in plants and animals, making them more attractive for consumption or for use. It is possible to modify animals to grow more muscle tissue or produce more milk. Genetic engineering also allows for the creation of new products by combining or adding different profiles together. An example is taking a potato plant and altering its profile so that it can produce more nutrients per kilo calorie.




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