Gene Cloning

Gene cloning is a technique that is often used for creating genetically modified organisms. It is a very extensive technique and has given the world a real definition of innovation like never before. Who would have thought we would be able to create a clone of an organism? But it happened in real life there are several examples where clones were created. However, this method also has some ethical considerations that can’t be neglected.

How it works

Gene cloning is carried out using a vector or vehicle, such as a plasmid found in bacteria. Plasmids serve as carriers for the gene of interest, containing multiple cloning sites and an origin of replication. They act as transfer vehicles to introduce the desired gene into the host organism.

Genetically modified organisms

You have often heard about genetically modified plants and animals. There are certain crops that are modified to make them resistant to many diseases. Crops like cotton are genetically modified, which protects them from certain diseases and results in better crop production. Similarly, animals are also genetically modified. For example, cows are genetically modified to enhance the production of milk. But did you know that vertebrates can be cloned? The first vertebrate that was cloned was a frog, which was cloned by John Gurdon in 1958. After that, the next big achievement was the cloning of a sheep, which was named Dolly the sheep. It raised many ethical issues regarding cloning. Scientists gave the possibility to clone a human resulting in protests world wide and ethical debates. As a result, many countries implemented complete bans or restrictions on such projects. Till now, only rumors can be heard that research is still ongoing to clone a human; no confirmed report has been shown so far.

Steps in the Gene Cloning Process

• Isolation of gene of interest

• Insertion of gene into a vector such as plasmid

• Introduction of recombinant DNA into a host cell Transformation there are several other techniques as well by which this can be done but transformation is the preferred one

• Next step is the selection of transformed cells

• Cloning and multiplication of host cells

• Expression and analysis of the cloned gene

Real-World Applications of Gene Cloning

There are many real world applications of gene cloning that are proving to be very beneficial for humans

Health

• The production of insulin by genetically engineered bacteria which is then used by diabetes patients is one of the revolutionary step in health sector

• Production of Growth Hormones: Growth disorder hormones genes were manufactured to treat growth related disorders

• Gene Therapy: One of the major applications of gene cloning is gene therapy, by which killer diseases like cancer can be treated. It was a revolutionary use of this technique in the field of medicine. Treating cancer was challenging since the beginning, but thanks to gene therapy, there is now high hope against such diseases.

Agriculture

• Pest Resistance: Crops like Bt corn contain genes from bacteria that deter insects
• Disease Resistance: Cloning helps introduce natural plant immunity to vulnerable species

Fun Fact:

Do you know the the first gene ever cloned was insulin back in the 1970s and it laid the foundation for the revolutionizing biotechnology industry.

Future Aspects

Without a doubt, gene cloning stands as one of the most impactful techniques in modern biotechnology, paving the way for innovations while still offering vast opportunities for further research and real-world applications as mentioned above in the field of medicine it can be very helpful. But ethical considerations should be kept in mind; there should not be any project aimed at creating human clones or conducting research that could harm the integrity of humanity