Applications, Uses, and Examples

Genetic engineering is used as a tool by scientists to learn about particular organisms or molecules. It has literally millions of advantageous and salubrious applications in the real world. Already, we have spoken about genetically modified plants, animals, medicine, and forests, but let's take a closer look.

One of the earliest examples of ancient genetic engineering is yeast fermentation. Though not as advanced as modern techniques, yeast fermentation was a great development in the distant past. As early as 1750 BC people have been utilizing yeast, eukaryotic microorganisms, to brew beer and bake bread.

In bread, yeast is used as a leavening agent. It converts fermentable sugars in the dough into carbon dioxide, creating bubbles, and causing the dough to expand.

Another use of yeast is to generate electricity in microbial fuel cells. As it becomes painfully apparent that our reliance on fossil fuels cannot last forever, scientists are looking to genetic engineering in yeast and similar micro-organisms as a source of biofuels (esp. ethanol). Bio-electrochemical devices called microbial fuel cells can be used to harness the chemical energy from micro-organisms and, using a catalyst, use these chemical reactions to create electricity. Genetic engineering can be used to isolate mitochondrial DNA from microorganisms and utilize it to initiate chemical reactions, such as those used in an animal's metabolism, to maintain life, and convert them into other forms of energy.

Another common use which we have discussed is medicine.
Scientists have identified over 4000 diseases that result from mutated genes, including down syndrome, breast cancer, cystic fibrosis, deafness, muscular dystrophy and Fragile X Syndrome. Using gene therapy techniques, scientists believe they can improve the lives of those dealing with these diseases and more.


Recently, genetically engineered meat has become a big topic of discussion. Scientists were able to create synthetic meat in a laboratory, without ever harming a single organism. They did this by first extracting a pig cell with DNA, containing genes for protein synthesis, from a pig's muscle tissue. Then, in a petri dish, this cell was cultured. Immediately, it began replicating until meat, suitable for consumption, had been created. The pioneer behind this meat, Jason Matheney, claims "(a) single cell could be used to produce enough meat to feed the global population for a year." Indeed, the prospects do look good. Still, there are many improvements that still need to be made.

Genetically engineering meat also conserves resources which would otherwise be used to feed the animal herds. It even reduces greenhouse gas emissions from the methane that the livestock release. If genetically engineered meat does enter large-scale production, many farm animals will be saved and profits will likely increase, as it will not be necessary to buy food to sustain livestock, but what happens to the farmers who depend on these animals to make a living?

Animal-Human Organ Transplant- Organ transplants from organisms with a similar genetic code to humans such as pigs can also be useful for replacing damaged organs. Genetic engineering can make more human-like organs in other animals, reducing the chances of the human body rejecting the new organ.







Here are some of the examples of animals and plants that have been genetically modified:

• Many spruce trees are currently being modified to live longer, grow taller, produce more wood and spread quicker in order to supply the booming forestry business. However, this could also have many adverse, negative effects on the plants living there. Activist group GreenPeace is working towards a global moratorium on commercial GE trees. Their biggest fear is that these GE trees will "usurp" all other vegetation in their area, leaving many animals without homes. So far, there has been no ban, but parties like GreenPeace assure scientists that transgenic trees are a threat to wildlife and biodiversity.
• Glofish are another example of common genetically engineered organisms. First appearing on the market in 2009, Glofish are genetically engineered zebrafish, who have been modified to emit light. This was done by placing a gene for bioluminescence in jellyfish within a group of ordinary zebra fish. Currently, Glofish are being sold as the first genetically modified pets in the world.
• Rapeseed (or canola) plants are being genetically engineered to increase resistance to lethal pesticides. Because of these genetic modifications, farmers are able to spray their crops with insecticides to kill pests and still have the plants survive. This also improves overall crop yield.
• Golden rice is developed to have very large amounts of A-Vitamins, which improve the health of those who eat it, mostly residing in third world countries.
  - One goat was genetically modified with a special gene to produce milk fortified with the silk of a silkworm. This made the milk much healthier.

Artificial human hormones are an example of genetically engineered medicines. Aside from insulin, many artificial nervous system transmitters, such as endorphins, tissue-type plasmogen activators created to treat heart attack victims, interferons that stimulate the immune system, and many other genetically engineered hormones are used to treat viruses and remove mutagens.

One of these genetically altered medicines, artificial growth hormone, a peptide, is used extensively to heal patients with inherited dwarfism, in attempts to help them live normal lives.
The effects of use (and abuse) of genetically engineered hormones are still relatively unknown and could be dangerous to the health of those who introduce it into their body.



Already, grocery store shelves are lined with packs of genetically modified foods. Unfortunately, there are no completely accurate ways of knowing if a food item has been genetically engineered, because the FDA does not require that it be stated on any packaging.

One of the most interesting of these genetically modified foods is the grapple (pictured above). Like many other genetically engineered foods, the grapple was not created simply as a research experiment.

As you may have guessed, the grapple is a combination of the genes of a grape and an apple, taking the apple's size, shape, and color, and the texture, flavour, and vitamin content of the grape. It was created to provide impoverished peoples living in 3rd world, under-developed countries with more vitamin C per serving than any other fruits.


Some More examples of GMOs.




Case Study- The OncoMouse
To what extent do humans have the right to own or control other animals?

The OncoMouse is an example of human patenting of genetically modified organisms. Created to easily simulate the effects of cancerous viruses in humans by using an oncogene which increases susceptibility to cancer in organisms, the OncoMouse was first submitted for patenting in 1988. It was a landmark case: Harvard v. Canada, both vying for ownership of the OncoMouse.

At first, Canada had won the patent, but soon the Commisioner of Patents reversed the decision, as the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that higher lifeforms could not be patented in the country.

The OncoMouse was developed by Philip Leder and Timothy A. Stewart of Harvard University.