How To: Build Your Own GMO

Genetically modified organisms are animals, plants or microbes whose DNA has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. The definition seems straightforward, right? But how exactly is the genetic material modified? Let us dig a little deeper. Scientists first isolate the DNA, separating it from all the proteins and other biomolecules bound to it, such as histones and DNA-binding proteins, all using a cocktail of chemicals. They then identify the gene of interest — the segment of DNA that “codes” for the desired characteristics — using enzymes that are called restriction endonucleases. These specific enzymes recognise the DNA in this region and cut it so that the ends are left either ‘blunt’ or ‘sticky’. Now, when the DNA is cut into many fragments, we need to separate the desired parts of DNA from the rest of it. This process makes great use of a technique called agarose gel electrophoresis. <a href="https://medium.com/@biotechcfi/how-to-build-your-own-gmo-b8212b67eb46">Read More</a>