Aspects of Genetic Engineering

Restriction enzymes can act only on double strand DNA. Restriction enzyme
recognizes and hydrolyzes the backbone of DNA between deoxyribose and phosphate
groups at or near the restriction sites. This leaves a phosphate group on the 5` ends
and a hydroxyl on the 3` end of both the strands. Thus, digestion with restriction
enzymes results in the fragmentation of the double stranded DNA molecule.
How do restriction enzymes work?
Restriction enzymes are used for genetic engineering. they expose the base sequence
of a DNA fragment. The enzymes cut the phosphate backbones of DNA molecules at
specific base sequences called recognition sites. Strands of DNA that have been cut
with restriction enzymes sometimes have single-stranded tails that readily realign with
tails from certain other DNA fragments. This technology allows removing a specific
gene from one organism and splicing it into another. Restriction enzymes originally
developed in bacteria as a defense against viruses, who inject DNA in bacteria which
takes over the cell. The bacteria's restriction enzymes cut up viral DNA before it can
take over the cell.

Step1: Identification and

isolation of gene of interest
List of Advantages of Gene Therapy

1. It has the ability to replace defective cells.

Human beings have always been prone to various health conditions, where a discovery of one cure
would seemingly come with the emergence of a new disease. Normally, we are constantly
threatened by newer and more dangerous types of pathogens, and while many diseases can be
treated medically, there would be no cure for genetic disorders unless we replace defective cells by
healthy ones. Well, this is what gene therapy is developed for.

2. It promises a great untapped potential.

One great aspect about gene therapy that is noted by scientists and researchers is the remarkable
therapeutic potential it promises.

3. It can help eradicate diseases.

By targeting defective reproductive cells, it is believed that we can eliminate health defects for good.
People suffering from genetic disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease and
Alzheimer’s disease, will be greatly helped by gene therapy.

List of Disadvantages of Gene Therapy

1. It can damage the gene pool.

It is believed that gene therapy could possibly change the human gene pool permanently if it was
done to a certain degree. Aside from this, this type of treatment will most likely be for the rich only,
indefinitely making the rich richer and the poor poorer.

2. It would modify human capabilities.

This is one big drawback of gene therapy—it may be used to enhance and modify human
capabilities, which means that the standards for normal human life would be altered. By
experimenting with the technology, certain countries could create enhanced and unstoppable
armies.

3. It has the potential to give rise in other disorders.

There is an exact point in the host genome where the right genes should be brought in, while there is
no assurance that the viral enzyme used in the process can bring in the right genes at such point.
When things go wrong, it can lead to severe disorders.