FOR
A BETTER UNDERSTANDING: FROM CELL TO GMO
Cell:
All living organisms consist of one (yeasts and bacteria) or more
cells (fungi, plants, animals, human beings).
DNA:
The cells of all organisms contain densily packed, ribbon-shaped
molecules, the so-called DNA. This is in fact a long chain that
consists of 4 types of building blocks named A, T, G and C, and
which are linked together in billions of different ways. This creates
a type of code, which contains information about hereditary characteristics,
among other things.
Every individual has his own specific DNA. Only in asexual reproduction,
for example in the case of bacteria, but also in animal cloning,
do the cells of the descendants contain an exact copy of the parental
hereditary characteristics. In the case of sexual reproduction,
the hereditary characteristics of the parental cells mix. The descendant
will therefore carry part of the characteristics of both parents.
Every single cell of an organism contains the same DNA even though
those cells may play different roles and have different characteristics.
Which characteristics will come to the fore will depend on the place
and the developmental phase of the cell and is determined by special
substances that are present in that cell.
Gene:
Only specific parts of the DNA code contain information about hereditary
characteristics. Those carriers of the genetic code are called carriers.
Sometimes a characteristic is determined by one single gene, but
in most cases several genes will be involved.
For several decades now, man has been able to read this DNA code
and to identify the various genes. More recently, geneticists have
succeeded in isolating the genes of a DNA chain and to insert it
into another chain. This technique is called genetic manipulation
and the result is a genetically modified organism (GMO).
Genetic Modification can be applied within
the same species, for example, to enhance a specific genetic characteristic
or to eliminate an undesirable characteristic.
However, genes can also be transferred from one species to another,
to create organisms with added, entirely new characteristics. |
