Science/Genetic Engineering

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Genetic engineering is the act of artificially modifying the genetic code of an organism. This can show up in various ways, from more resistant crops to bioweapons. Genetically Modified species can be shortened to GM species.

Mechanism

To do genetic engineering, you must first know which genes are used for which purposes. The genome is contained within DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid, a molecule shaped like a twister ladder (a double helix) ), although there are many other cellular mechanisms that can affect the organism. For example, in Earth animals, genes known as Hox genes are used to control outgrowths on an organism such as limbs and antennae. Portions of the genetic code can be isolated and grafted into the DNA of other species to give them additional traits. A gene in the flounder, which prevents it from being frozen, can be grafted into the genome of the domestic tomato to give it the same resistance to freezing.

Removing and adding genes is done using enzymes. An enzyme 'slices' out the important section, that section is then artificially duplicated many times, and then enzymes are used to cut out the pre-existing gene (or a hole) in the target genome and insert it in there. This process is not perfect; the gene can fail to bind or be received.

The organism must then be grown from this single cell. Genetically modifying a developed organism is usually useless, as many genes are only expressed in the embryonic stage (including all the major structural ones). However, modifications to fast-reproducing cells may be possible.

Uses

The most common use of genetic engineering is in crops. These can let them be more resistant to weather conditions such as drought and frost, or make their photosynthesis more efficient so they can grow faster. Pets can also be GMed, as unusual but easy-to-keep pets are likely to make a lot of money.

People may wish to genetically engineer their children in the future, to make them express desired traits or avoid debilitating diseases. This is a controversial matter.

Multiverses Wiki

In Obeidon, many races (notably the Daemons) use GM species as machines of war. Bioweapons have numerous advantages and disadvantages over normal weapons. On one side, they can breed and eat the native life, and can self-heal. On the other, they can only be used for certain environments, and are easier to detect and damage than machines.