Here we gave a brief overview of genetic engineering, history, techniques, applications as well as some ethical concerns.

1. GENETIC ENGINEERING
1
Okechukwu Francis
Programme: PhD Biotechnology
SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (SoHST)

2. INTRODUCTION
 Genetic engineering, also known as
genetic modification or gene editing, is a
technique that allows scientists to alter the
genetic makeup of an organism. It involves
the manipulation of DNA (deoxyribonucleic
acid), which carries genetic information
and controls the development and
functioning of all living organisms. Genetic
engineering has revolutionized fields such
as medicine, agriculture, and industry, and
has the potential to address some of the
world's most pressing challenges.
Figure 1: showing gene knockout (source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetic_engineerin

3. HISTORY OF GENETIC ENGINEERING
 The field of genetic engineering has its roots in
the discovery of DNA's structure by James
Watson and Francis Crick in 1953. In the early
1970s, researchers developed the technique of
recombinant DNA, which allowed them to insert
foreign DNA into a bacterial cell. This led to the
production of the first genetically modified
organism (GMO) in 1973, a bacterium that was
resistant to the antibiotic kanamycin.
 Since then, genetic engineering techniques
have continued to evolve, with the development
of new tools such as restriction enzymes,
polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and more
recently, gene editing tools such as
CRISPR/Cas9.
Fig 2: showing CRISPR-Cas gene editing (source:
https://www.labiotech.eu/in-depth/crispr-cas9-review-gene-editing-
tool/)

4. TECHNIQUES OF GENETIC ENGINEERING
 There are several techniques used in genetic engineering, few of them
includes:
1. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR): This is a technique that allows
scientists to amplify specific segments of DNA, making it easier to study
and manipulate them.
2. Gene editing tools: These include CRISPR/Cas9, which uses a
"molecular scissors" to cut DNA at specific locations, and then insert,
delete or replace genes.
3. Gene synthesis: This involves creating artificial DNA sequences in a
laboratory, which can be used to create or modify new genes.

5. APPLICATIONS OF GENETIC ENGINEERING: GENETIC
ENGINEERING HAS A WIDE RANGE OF APPLICATIONS IN
VARIOUS FIELDS, INCLUDING:
1. Medicine: Genetic engineering has the potential to revolutionize healthcare by enabling the
development of personalized medicine and gene therapy. It has already been used to create
genetically modified cells that can fight cancer, and to develop vaccines for diseases such as
hepatitis B.
2. Agriculture: Genetic engineering has been used to create crops that are resistant to pests and
diseases, and that have improved nutritional content. This has the potential to increase crop
yields and reduce the use of pesticides and other chemicals.
3. Industry: Genetic engineering has been used to create enzymes that can be used in a variety
of industrial processes, such as the production of biofuels and the breakdown of waste
materials.
4. Environmental conservation: Genetic engineering has the potential to help address
environmental challenges such as pollution and climate change. For example, genetically
modified bacteria can be used to clean up oil spills, and genetically engineered crops can
help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

6. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS OF GENETIC ENGINEERING:
 As with any new technology, genetic engineering raises ethical questions and
concerns. Some of the potential risks and challenges include:
1. Safety: Genetic engineering has the potential to create unintended
consequences, such as harmful mutations or unintended effects on other
organisms.
2. Regulation: There is a need for strong regulatory frameworks to ensure that
genetic engineering is used responsibly and safely.
3. Equity: There is a concern that genetic engineering could exacerbate social
and economic inequalities, by creating new technologies that only benefit
certain groups.
4. Social and cultural impacts: Genetic engineering raises questions about the
impact on society and culture, including questions about the value of life and
the role of technology in shaping our world.

7. FUTURE OF GENETIC ENGINEERING
Genetic engineering has the potential to revolutionize various fields
and address some of the world's most pressing challenges. As the field
continues to evolve, here are some of the potential future developments:
 Precision medicine: With the help of genetic engineering, it may be
possible to develop more precise and personalized treatments for a
range of diseases. This could involve using gene editing tools to correct
genetic mutations that cause diseases or creating genetically modified
cells that can target and destroy cancer cells.
 Synthetic biology: Genetic engineering could enable the creation of
completely new organisms or biological systems. This could involve
creating synthetic bacteria that can produce biofuels or other useful
substances, or engineering plants to produce medicines.

8. FUTURE OF GENETIC ENGINEERING
 Gene drives: Gene drives are a technique that enables the spread of a particular
gene through an entire population of organisms. This could be used to eliminate
disease-carrying insects or to promote the spread of beneficial traits in plants or
animals.
 Environmental applications: Genetic engineering has the potential to help address
environmental challenges such as climate change and pollution. For example,
genetically modified bacteria could be used to break down plastics or clean up oil
spills, while genetically engineered crops could help reduce greenhouse gas
emissions.
 Ethical and social considerations: As genetic engineering continues to develop, there
will be important ethical and social considerations to address. These may include
questions about the safety and regulation of genetic engineering, the impact on
social and economic inequalities, and the role of genetic engineering in shaping our
world and our values.

9. CONCLUSION
 Genetic engineering is a powerful and rapidly evolving technology that has
the potential to revolutionize fields such as medicine, agriculture, and industry.
While it offers many benefits, such as creating personalised treatments and
improving crop yields, it raises ethical questions and concerns around safety,
regulation, equity, and social and cultural impacts.
 The future of genetic engineering is promising, with ongoing advancements in
tools and techniques that will enable scientists to address some of the world's
most pressing challenges, such as disease, hunger, and environmental
degradation. However, it is important that we approach genetic engineering
with caution and careful consideration, to ensure that it is used responsibly
and safely and that its benefits are accessible to all.

10. THANK YOU