Genetic engineering
Genetic engineering can be done by transferring a desirable geneThe basic unit of genetic material inherited from our parents. A gene is a section of DNA which controls part of a cell's chemistry - particularly protein production. from a donor organism into the genomeThe complete set of DNA found in an organism. of a recipient organism.
It is useful in agriculture and technology and has helped further scientific research.
Genetic engineering can be carried out on plants and animals.
Some of the most interesting tests by scientists are below:

Image caption, Banana vaccines
Hate injections? Scientists have discovered a way of turning the humble banana into a life saving vaccine. An engineered part of a virus is injected into the fruit where it multiplies thousands of times. When eaten, it produces antibodies which fight off deadly disease.

Image caption, Venomous cabbage
By injecting cabbages with scorpion venom, scientists have figured out a way of stopping pesky caterpillars from eating their way through an entire crop. Don't worry! The venom is altered to be safe for humans so there's no excuse for not eating your greens!

Image caption, Enviropig
Environmentally friendly pig poo. Who knew? Phosphorous is a harmful chemical found in pig manure. Canadian scientists have genetically engineered a pig embryo so that our curly tailed friends produce up to 70% less of the nasty stuff when nature calls.

Image caption, Spidergoat
No, it's not a comic. Researchers in the USA made a huge breakthrough when they inserted a spider gene into the DNA of goats. It meant the goats produced milk containing an extra protein, which can be spun into spider silk thread used in things like protective clothing and car interiors.
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Usually the recipient organism is a bacterial cell because:
- Bacterial DNA is easily manipulated.
- Bacteria can reproduce very rapidly.
The bacteria then have the ability to make whatever the desirable gene codes for, like insulinHormone that reduces blood glucose levels. for example.