Genetic engineering, also called genetic modification, is the direct manipulation of an organism's genes using biotechnology. It is a set of technologies used to modify the genetic composition of cells, including the transfer of genes within and across species boundaries to produce improved or new organisms. New DNA is obtained by isolating and copying the genetic material of interest using recombinant DNA methods or by artificially synthesizing DNA. Usually a construct is created and used to insert this DNA into the host organism. The first recombinant DNA molecule was produced by Paul Berg in 1972 by combining the DNA of the simian virus SV40 with the lambda virus. In addition to inserting genes, the process can be used to remove, or “delete,” genes. The new DNA can be inserted randomly or targeted to a specific part of the genome. Say no to plagiarism. Get a custom-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Download an Original EssayAn organism generated through genetic engineering is considered genetically modified (GM), and the resulting entity is a genetically modified organism (GMO). The first GMO was a bacterium created by Herbert Boyer and Stanley Cohen in 1973. Rudolf Jaenisch created the first genetically modified animal by inserting foreign DNA into a mouse in 1974. The first company to focus on genetic engineering, Genentech, was founded in 1976 and began the production of human proteins. Genetically modified human insulin was produced in 1978 and insulin-producing bacteria were commercialized in 1982. Genetically modified foods have been sold since 1994, with the launch of the Flavr Savr tomato. Flavr Savr was designed to have a longer shelf life, but most current GM crops are modified to increase insect and herbicide resistance. GloFish, the first GMO designed as a pet, was sold in the United States in December 2003. In 2016 salmon modified with a growth hormone were sold. Genetic engineering has been applied in numerous fields including research, medicine, industrial biotechnology and agriculture. In research, GMOs are used to study the function and expression of genes through loss-of-function, gain-of-function, tracing, and expression experiments. By eliminating the genes responsible for certain conditions it is possible to create animal model organisms for human diseases. In addition to producing hormones, vaccines and other drugs, genetic engineering has the potential to cure genetic diseases through gene therapy. The same techniques used to make drugs can also have industrial applications such as producing enzymes for laundry detergents, cheeses, and other products. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay The increased commercialization of genetically modified crops has provided economic benefits to farmers in many different countries, but it has also been the source of most of the controversy surrounding this technology. This has been present since its first use, the first field trials were destroyed by anti-GM activists. Although there is scientific consensus that currently available foods derived from GM crops pose no greater risks to human health than conventional foods, GM food safety is a major concern of critics. Gene flow, impact on non-target organisms, and control of supply have also been raised as potential issues.