Simple Text book definition: The process of producing modified DNA in a test tube and reintroducing that DNA into host organisms.
2 primary types of genetic engineering.
Somatic genetic engineering is genetic engineering that targets the genes in specific organs and tissues of the body of a single existing person without affecting genes in their eggs or sperm. This method works by removing a specific type of cell from the patient (the specific tissue that accounts for the deficiency) and introducing copies of the normal "wild" type gene.
Example: SCID (severe combined immunodeficiency disease) A.K.A. Bubble Boy disease is caused by a mutation in the gene coding for a specific blood enzyme. This enzyme is necessary for proper immune system function and requires the individual to live in a sterile environment. By targeting the specific stem cells responsible for the enzyme’s production (isolated from bone marrow), it is possible to introduce the wild type gene back into the individual in order to provide a functional immune response.
Germline genetic engineering is genetic engineering that targets the genes in eggs, sperm, or very early embryos. The alterations affect every cell in the body of the resulting individual, and are passed on to all future generations. Currently, this type of therapy is not practical because the technology is not sufficiently developed enough and depends on infrequent events (problems with successfully integrating the DNA into the embryonic cells).
