Genes in the market

In my last post I gave a brief explanation on what genes are and touched up a bit on bioengineering and gene alteration in organisms; these organisms that result from such applications are called genetically modified organisms (GM or GMO) or transgenic. In most cases with GMOs, their original genes are not altered themselves but they have genes with desirable traits injected into their DNA. This application is used on a variety of organisms and the possibilities seem to be growing as fast as other technologies. Here we go over some of the uses of genetic engineering.

PLANTS

Plants, crops, fruits and veggies are among the most genetically modified organism today, especially since food is perhaps the most important commodity to us. GM produce grows faster and have a longer shelf life, this is very beneficial in countries where food source is scarce. This may also be helpful one day to help mass produce plants used for biofuels. The genes of desert plants, such as a cactus, can be inserted into a crop, a tomato, so that it can grow in areas that are either too dry or too hot for a normal tomato. GM plants can also be engineered to resist pests, herbicides. Even more interesting is that plants can be made to produce plastics, and human tissue. Who knows what other crazy things scientists will do with plants; bizarre colored fruits to weirdly shaped ones, to one tasting like another!

  

ANIMALS

Pets are also commonly engineered in a way to look more attractive or exotic to increase sales. One of the first genetically modified pet is the GloFish; which are zebrafishes made to have a variety of vibrant neon colors. Besides looks and appeal, this technology is making it possible for people that can't have certain pets be able to. Back in 2006, a company was able to produce cats and dogs that produced little (hypoallergenic) to no allergens. Though probably much more expensive, this may be a blessing for those who suffer from allergies from cats and dogs that really wants one. Of course, I don't advocate much of this, maybe the hypoallergenic cats and dogs a little, but if you are unhappy about GM animals perhaps you should report it to PETA.

Wild zebrafish

GM zebrafish, GloFish

Hypoallergenic cat

BACTERIA

Of the organisms I've mentioned, bacteria are the most easiest to genetically manipulate due to their simple structures and fast reproduction times. Also, many activists or other anti-GMO individuals wouldn't really care about bacteria being altered compared to plants, animals or "higher organisms". Most of the genetically engineered bacteria today are used to produce pharmaceutical drugs, vitamins used in multi-vitamin pills, and essential enzymes or proteins such as insulin. Others are made to be more efficient at producing certain foods, mainly in the dairy industry. As I mentioned in my other post, scientists have made glowing bacteria. I guess one purpose of this is BioArt, something I stumbled across while looking for links for this post. BioArt, as it's name implies, is artwork made out of life. Interesting. 

Various colored glowing bacteria on a petri dish