Answer 1:
Genetic engineering refers to causing
deliberate alterations in DNA. Broadly,
this entails taking a gene (a sequence of DNA that
codes for a specific function) from one organism
and inserting it into the DNA sequence of
another. There are
many techniques which may be used, too many
to describe in detail. However, some approaches
include using bacteria which can insert their
DNA into other cells, "shooting" pellets covered
with DNA into cells, electrical impulses, direct
injection of DNA, and viruses.
CRISPR technology is a relatively new and
powerful method to introduce new genes into a DNA
sequence. It is derived from defense
mechanisms of certain microorganisms. These
microorganisms chop up DNA at specific sequences,
causing a cell's repair mechanisms to start up and
begin piecing the DNA back together. By
introducing appropriate DNA strands, new genes
can be incorporated into the repaired DNA
sequence.
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Answer 2:
Too many to list, and more are being discovered
all of the time. In general, I believe that the
most prevalent is insertion of genes from one
organism into another, e.g. causing a
bacterium to produce a human protein.
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