Genetic Engineering Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Genetic Engineering - Essay Example Insulin is usually secreted by the pancreas in order to regulate sugar levels in the body; however in patients with diabetes, this does not occur. There are many advantages to genetic engineering in that it gives scientists greater control over the type of gene which is being encoded for. Scientists can also control the rate of production which can be accelerated unlike its natural counterparts. It works through plasmid recombinant technology. First, enzymes are used to isolate the human gene which encodes for the production of insulin. Then, this â€Å"sticky† fragment is inserted into a plasmid, which is a circular piece of DNA in a bacterial cell. Then, the bacteria are stimulated to reproduce and they undergo mitosis, meanwhile replicating the human gene along with its own. Then, the insulin is produced by the bacteria which can be harvested and administered to the population in large quantities, quickly and efficiently (Watson 456-58). This is only one aspect in which gen e manipulation technology has influenced pharmaceuticals and the daily life of diabetics. Gene technology has also been used in other applications of medicine such as in gene therapy, cancer research, and genetic counseling. All have been made possible by the technological advances.