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Genes at work
Here’s some of the innumerous uses and applications of genes Agriculture: Much of the food we eat are in some way connected to genes. [Do you know most modern and ancient wheat breeds are hybrids – genetically modified/engineered?]. Genetically modified crops can help increase food production in many ways. For instance, genes that increase the yield of crops can be introduced. Or plants that grow in poor soil or to resist disease, bad weather, and pest damage can be engineered into crops that are now susceptible to these causes. Moreover, livestock can be genetically engineered to produce more meat, to reproduce more often, to survive in extreme climates, or to have better immunity to fight diseases. Industry: The ability of bacteria to produce chemicals (thanks to their genes) can be used in various industries. Like manufacturing cheese and beer. Use of protein engineering is another application of genes in industries. Spotted detergent boxes with “biologically active enzymes”written on them? The enzyme Subtilisin is a protease (a protein-digesting protein) produced by bacteria, with specificity for proteins that commonly soil clothing. Detergent manufacturers added it to improve the efficiency of laundry detergents. Remember this the next time you do your laundry... The forensic industry uses genes to identify individuals using samples of their DNA (from hair or toothbrush or clothes). The technique is called genetic fingerprinting. Environment: Genes can help remove pollutants from the environment. Genetically modified organisms and plants are put on the job. Bacteria that metabolise oil have already been used in cleaning ocean oil spills. The mining industry also uses bacteria in extracting metals, like gold and copper, from their ores (bioleaching). And genes (through biotechnology) recycle, treat waste, and clean up sites contaminated by industrial activities (bioremediation). There is more. Bacteria and plants can be induced to take in heavy metals from contaminated soil and water, which can then be removed from the area and disposed of. Genes also help in creating green products like biodegradable plastics and biofuels. But the applications of genetics in medicine are the most interesting and significant. See for yourself. 
Medicine: Genes are (also) responsible for determining the diseases we would be susceptible to, or inherit. So, by knowing which gene is responsible for a given disease, doctors and scientists can now pre-empt the ailments and develop treatments. So, next time you catch a cold, your doctor might just change your gene and save you from falling ill again! Many researchers also study abnormal, disease-causing proteins and enzymes for the same purpose. Several medicines, procedures, and useful chemicals are available only because of genes. The first genetically engineered medicine was synthetic human insulin. Now, there is a genetically engineered vaccine for the lethal Hepatitis B. Genetic testing (the direct examination of the DNA molecule for determining sex, and so on), gene therapy (the insertion of genes into cells and tissues to treat diseases, including hereditary diseases and diabetes), and pharmacogenomics (the study of how the genes affect a body’s response to drugs, and to produce medicines that are adapted to each person’s genetic makeup) are all based on the study of genes.
This is just the beginning. Our “gene technology” is still in its infancy. Infinite possibilities... Hey Shreya, have you seen the movie ‘X-men’? If yes, you surely remember Wolverine/Logan – a mutant with metal blades in his hands. His most fascinating feature was his ‘healing factor’ – his ability to heal without any medicine. Cool, isn’t it? Now, what if you could do the same? Or how about if you never ever catch flu again? Great relief from the wheezing and coughing, right? Well, genes can actually make these happen! They can actually make super heroes and heroines out of you. Let’s see how… |
Genetics is the science of heredity (the way we inherit
the physical traits and characteristics of our parents)
and variation in living organisms.
