Learn How A Genetically Engineered Organelle Can Improve Organisms

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.

Organelles can be modified through a process known as genetic engineering. Scientists can use genetic engineering to change the way genes are structured. This purposeful modification manipulates the genes of organisms directly. The cells of an organism can function in a new way if they have a genetically engineered organelle. The organism can have unique traits that it did not have in the past.

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.

One significant advantage of genetically engineering an organelle, especially the plant chloroplast is making the engineered plants produce more. This enables farmers to grow more food at an affordable rate. When food is more affordable, it is easier to feed hungry populations around the world.

Another essential promise for genetically engineered organelles for the biotech industry is that the foreign DNA can be passed to the next generation. The organelles are transferred through maternal inheritance as matching copies. Female animals transfer matching copies to their offspring and plants to all the seeds they produce, without changes. This can ensure the stability of genetically engineered traits from one generation to the other.

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.

When organisms are genetically engineered, they can also develop resistance to the usual forms of death. For example, pest resistance can be included in the genetic profile of a plant so that it can mature without needing pesticides. The genetic profile of an animal can also be engineered to reduce its risk of suffering from common health problems that affect the breed or species.

Genetic modification of organelles also enables researchers to create specific characteristics in plants and animals, making them better for use or eating. For instance, genetic modification can make animals produce more milk or have more muscle tissue. Through genetic engineering, researchers can also create new products by bringing different profiles together. An example is modifying the genetic profile of potato plants so that the nutrients per kilo calorie in potatoes will be higher.




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