Genetic engineering, also called genetic modification, is the direct manipulation of an organism's genes using biotechnology. It is a set of technologies used to modify the genetic composition of cells, including the transfer of genes within and across species boundaries to produce improved or new organisms. New DNA is obtained either by isolating and copying the genetic material of interest using recombinant DNA methods or by artificially synthesizing the DNA. A construct is usually created and used to insert this DNA into the host organism. The first recombinant DNA molecule was made by Paul Berg in 1972 by combining DNA from the monkey virus SV40 with the lambda virus. In addition to inserting genes, the process can be used to delete or "knock out" genes. The new DNA can be inserted randomly or targeted to a specific part of the genome. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”?Get the original essayA genetically engineered organism is considered genetically modified (GMO) and the resulting entity is a genetically modified organism (GMO) . The first GMO was a bacteria generated by Herbert Boyer and Stanley Cohen in 1973. Rudolf Jaenisch created the first genetically modified animal by inserting foreign DNA into a mouse in 1974. The first company focused on genetic engineering, Genentech, was founded in 1976 and started the production of human proteins. Genetically modified human insulin was produced in 1978, and insulin-producing bacteria were commercialized in 1982. Genetically modified foods have been sold since 1994, with the release of the Flavr Savr tomato. Flavr Savr was designed to have a longer shelf life, but most current genetically modified crops are modified to increase resistance to insects and herbicides. GloFish, the first GMO designed as a pet, was sold in the United States in December 2003. In 2016, salmon modified with growth hormone were sold. Genetic engineering has been applied in many fields, including research, medicine, industrial biotechnology and agriculture. In research, GMOs are used to study gene function and expression through loss-of-function, gain-of-function, tracking, and expression experiments. By eliminating genes responsible for certain conditions, it is possible to create animal model organisms for human diseases. In addition to producing hormones, vaccines and other drugs, genetic engineering has the potential to cure genetic diseases through gene therapy. The same techniques used to produce medicines can also have industrial applications such as producing enzymes for laundry detergents, cheeses, and other products. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay The rise of commercialized genetically modified crops has brought economic benefits to farmers in many countries, but has also been the source of much of the controversy surrounding the technology. This has been present since its beginnings, with the first field trials having been destroyed by anti-GMO activists. Although there is scientific consensus that currently available foods derived from genetically modified crops pose no greater risk to human health than conventional foods, the safety of genetically modified foods is a concern.