*Genetic Engineering: Altering the Threads of Life DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.92618*

*Genetic Engineering - A Glimpse of Techniques and Applications*

modified tomatoes, potatoes, tobacco, etc. [21].

• Study the regulation and expression of gene.

enriched milk for human babies, etc. [25].

effective treatment against it [22].

very rich in vitamin A.

and flies [22].

enable us to:

**4. Conclusions**

**3.5 Transgenic animals**

• Crops with better ability to tolerate environmental conditions like drought, cold, salinity, etc. For example, the salt-tolerant transgenic maize plant was produced by incorporation of gut D gene from *Escherichia coli* [4]*.* Crops resistant against insects, herbicides, and other chemicals. For example, Sulphonylurea-resistant tobacco plants are produced by incorporating the

• Biofortification—The improved crop variety has enhanced nutritional qualities as compared to that of the conventional crops. For example, the golden rice is

• An altered rate of growth for higher productivity in less time, e.g., genetically

The bacteria *Bacillus thuringiensis* synthesize certain proteins with the ability to kill insects like dipterans and lepidopterans. This toxin was termed Bt toxin which remains inactivate, but when engulfed it gets activated due to the alkaline pH of the gut. The insects engulfing it eventually die. Through genetic engineering the genes responsible for production of Bt toxin were isolated and were used in crops like cotton to make it pest resistant. The toxin responsible for killing the pest was coded using *cry* gene. The Bt cotton was resistant against budworms, beetles, mosquitoes,

The animals whose genetic makeup has been altered to express foreign genes are known as transgenic animals [23]. The transgenic animals are important as they

• Study genes responsible for causing disease in the humans. Transgenic models allow us to infect them with diseases like cancer, CFTR, etc. and to develop an

• Ensure safety of treatment that the human receive. Transgenic mice are devel-

Genetic engineering has become an integral part of the modern era, and its vast applications have touched and evolved almost all important fields necessary for living. This technology has revolutionized medical, agricultural, and pharmaceutical sectors. The genetic engineering involves a group of techniques that are employed for varied purposes based on our requirements. This technology has provided us the cure for many diseases, pest-resistant crops, transgenic organisms and hormones, and other important products. The modern era of biological research remains

oped to study the effect of vaccines before using it on humans [24].

• Produce biologically important products like human proteins, protein-

mutant acetolactate synthase (ALS) gene from *Arabidopsis* [4].

**3.4 Production of insect resistant Bt cotton using genetic engineering**

**8**

incomplete without this technology. Genetic engineering holds the future of modern medicine, agriculture, and pharmaceutical industries. The genome editing tools are gaining much attention in the present era. Genetic engineering is the answer to all the solutions that we are facing today. In order to feed the rising population of the world, it is the tool for enhancing crop productivity. Through genetic engineering the fermentation ability of yeast can be enhanced for increased alcohol production. Similarly all sectors like antibiotic production can also be augmented, and the structure can also be modified for better efficacy. Genetic engineering also opens the gateways for the treatment of diseases that have medically no potential cure available till date. The technique of gene manipulation can provide better longevity of life. This technique is the future of almost all sectors, and with the advent of time it may provide solution to all the present problems.
