What is Genetic | Genetic Engineering UPSC | Basic of Genetic | Science and Technology | Part01

Описание: What is “Genetic”?

The term genetic relates to genes, heredity, and variation in living organisms.

Genes are units of heredity made up of DNA.

They carry instructions for traits like eye color, height, disease susceptibility, etc.

Genes are located on chromosomes inside the cell nucleus.

Key Terms:

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) – Genetic material of most organisms.

RNA – Helps in protein synthesis.

Genome – Complete set of genetic material of an organism.

Heredity – Passing of traits from parents to offspring.

👉 The foundation of genetics was laid by Gregor Mendel through his pea plant experiments.

2️⃣ What is Genetic Engineering?

Genetic Engineering is a branch of biotechnology that involves direct manipulation or modification of an organism’s DNA using technology.

It allows scientists to:

Insert new genes

Remove unwanted genes

Modify existing genes

Also called:

Genetic modification (GM)

Recombinant DNA Technology

The development of recombinant DNA technology is credited to Paul Berg.

3️⃣ Basic Steps in Genetic Engineering

Identification of gene of interest

Isolation of gene

Insertion into vector (like plasmid)

Transfer into host organism

Expression of desired trait

Modern gene editing tool:

CRISPR-Cas9 – A precise gene-editing technology.

4️⃣ Applications of Genetic Engineering (Important for UPSC)
🩺 Medical Field

Production of insulin

Gene therapy

Vaccines

Example:

Human insulin production using bacteria

🌾 Agriculture

GM crops like:

Bt Cotton (India’s first GM crop)

Pest resistance

Increased yield

🧪 Industrial Applications

Enzyme production

Biofuels

5️⃣ Ethical & Regulatory Issues (UPSC Angle)

Biosafety concerns

Environmental impact

Ethical debates on designer babies

Regulatory bodies in India:

GEAC (Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee)

6️⃣ Importance for UPSC

This topic is important for:

GS Paper III – Science & Technology

Prelims – Biotechnology basics

Mains – Ethical, agricultural, medical and regulatory aspects