The Application of Gene Transfer and Incorporation
Commercial Application
Gene transfer is used in the development of genetically modified (GM) foods. Hereby, a gene from an organism is moved into another and the interweave means the novel DNA is slid into the host’s DNA and becomes part of the organism (Soucy, Huang, and Gogarten, 472). GM food grow bigger at faster rate to produce an abundant amount of food whilst being resistant to variables like drought and pests.
Recent Advances in Medicine
Gene transfer and incorporation has enabled gene therapy, which is a method of treating diseases through manipulation of genes. Adenoviruses and retroviruses are among the most frequently used viral vectors. The retrovirus presents the gene it carries to the cell genome being targeted while the adenovirus presents the gene into the cell nucleus of the targeted cell without interweaving it into the cell genome (Soucy, Huang, and Gogarten, 472). The therapy is still being tested to determine its viability.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Gene transfer is advantageous to a cell if the gene being acquired performs a useful role, but has adverse effects if the gene serves nor role, if it is not compatible with the present genes, or ii it is a mobile element that replicates itself selfishly (Soucy, Huang, and Gogarten, 472). If the balance of these impact is largely beneficial, cells will evolve high levels of acceptance, whereas if it is adverse cells decrease the rate of gene transfer.