Biology  5/e   Raven/Johnson
	Student   Online Learning Center

Genetic engineering is a rapidly growing science. The title, "genetic engineering," often evokes negative reactions. The uninformed person usually reacts with alarm, fearing the creation of monsters, plagues, etc. Dire potentials certainly exist. However, safeguards exercised by researchers minimize the risks.

Ingenious scientists, discovering and utilizing little known and seemingly insignificant properties of bacterial and viral genetics, evolved techniques for using microbes to serve the needs of mankind. DNA can be cut with surprising precision and spliced into new combinations that enables the organism to develop products and assume characteristics that fill our needs. The use of bacterial plasmids and enzymes, and selected viruses enables scientists to manipulate DNA to achieve specific goals. It is probable that many of the greatest impacts on biological sciences, industry and public health will arise from this remarkable science.

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