Do you know what genetics is? Many people know that genetics is the scientific study of life-life in plants, life in animals, and life in humans. Genetics is also the biology of heredity. Heredity is the inheritance of the characteristics from its parents or species that make each living thing its own kind. Because of heredity, a boy has the genes that make him look like and be a specific boy, and a girl has the genes that make her look like and be a certain girl. What some people may not know, though, is the fact that children usually look like their parents and the fact that animals give birth to their own kind wasn�t really researched until 1900.
To learn anything about genetics, you have to know about DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). DNA is the molecule of heredity, and controls everything that a cell does. The structure of DNA was just recently co-discovered, in 1953, by two scientists, Watson and Crick. DNA is shaped like a twisted ladder, with one polynucleotide chain coiled around the other, in the form of a double helix. It is made up of repeating units of a five-carboned sugar called deoxyribos linked together by phosphate groups. Attached at regular intervals to the sugar molecules in the backbone of the long chain, are chemical groups called bases. The bases in two chains are attracted to each other and form the twisted ladder structure. The two polynucleotide chains can be partially unwound, causing it to replicate itself and a whole new DNA strand to begin.
Throughout the world, there are thousands of genetic engineers. Genetic engineering is a method of changing the characteristics of an organism in a predetermined way. It involves the manipulation of DNA. DNA molecules can be cut and reassembled, then added to another DNA molecule to produce the desired result. A vector is a DNA fragment that can self-replicate independently of the DNA of the host cell. The process of engineering a DNA fragment into a vector is called cloning, because multiple copies of an identical molecule are produced. Genetic engineering includes adding a functional gene to cells that lack that function, in attempt of correcting a genetic disorder or acquired disease.
There are many benefits of genetic engineering. Many people feel that genetic engineering has great potential. For example, the gene insulin, which is usually only found in higher animals, can be introduced into bacterial cells by way of a plasmid vector. Then the bacteria can be grown in large quantities, giving an abundant source of so-called �recombinant� insulin at a relatively low cost. Other benefits are that we can increase the disease resistance in crops, generate vaccines, and alter livestock traits.
Even though there are many benefits of genetic engineering, there are also many hazards and disadvantages. For example, the introduction of cancer causing genes into a common infectious organism, such as the influenza virus, could be extremely dangerous. Then there�s the problem of cloning. Although it may seem harmless, cloning can be used in the wrong ways. Many people are debating over things like, �If it�s possible, should scientists be allowed to clone humans?� and �If so, what age, gender, height, etc.?� and �Won�t there be some limits on who or what scientists clone?� Another concern is that, despite our precautions, some unforeseen effect might occur, as the result of the experiments.
Unlike genetic engineering, genetic disorders are natural. Genetic disorders are diseases that are inherited. Some genetic disorders are apparent at birth, while others develop in childhood or adult life. Some of these disorders may be affected by environmental influences, such as diet or lifestyle. Genetic changes that aren�t inherited may cause or contribute to disorders such as cancer. Some genetic disorders may result from a single gene. Most of these single gene disorders have a recessive inheritance, which means that both copies of the same gene, one from each parent, is defective. Genetic tests can identify mutations within disease genes.
I think genetics is a very inspiring topic. Because of this report, I now have a better understanding of DNA, genes, and what�s going on in the world of genetics today. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already approved diagnostic devices, human drugs and vaccines, and food processing enzymes produced through recombinant DNA technology and is overseeing the generation of genetically engineered food crops. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates use of genetically engineered plants, microorganisms, and veterinary biological plants. I hope you�ve learned as much as I have while reading this report, and I hope that, in the future, we will have a chance to participate in the wonderful field of genetics.
Note: I wrote this in 6th grade(!!!!!!!) My own words and everything. Pretty smart kid, doncha think?