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.

Multiple copies of organelles exist in cells and they contain their own DNA. Once a new gene or artificial chromosome is introduced into an organelle, it gets multiplied by the cell. Consequently, new cells that have multiple copies of the introduced gene are produced. In some situations that may be induced, plant cells increase the copies of organelles in them. Therefore, the organelles that have been genetically engineered can secure multiple copies of the introduced DNA, causing the engineered genes to be expressed at a higher level.

Genetic engineering, particularly that of plant chloroplasts is beneficial. One benefit if that the level of productivity in plants that have undergone this process increases. Farmers can therefore produce more food cost effectively. If food is cheap, then it would be easier to feed people worldwide.

The biotech industry also benefited from genetically engineered organelles in that it is possible to pass the foreign DNA to the next generation. These organelles are transferred as matching copies through maternal inheritance. Plants transfer matching copies to all seeds and female organelles to their offspring without changes. Consequently, the transfer of traits that are genetically engineered from one generation to another one is ensured.

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.

Genetic modification also helps to create resistance to typical forms of organism death. For instance, it is possible to include pest resistance to the genetic profiles of plants so that they may mature as crops without further additives. The genetic profiles of animals can also be modified to mitigate the risks of common health concerns which can affect the species or breed.

Genetic engineering also enables researchers to develop certain characteristics in animals and plants so that they can be more appealing for use or consumption. For instance, the researchers can modify organelles so that animals can produce more milk or meat. Through genetic engineering, new products can also be created by adding or bringing together different profiles. For instance, the profile of potato plants can be modified so that they can produce a more significant number of nutrients per kilo calorie.




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