The goal of modifying genes and thus the properties of organisms has been pursued by science since more and more knowledge of molecular genetics was gained with the invention of new technologies . The idea of optimising crops or curing hereditary diseases drove the search for gene modification methods . After all , waiting for organisms to adapt to certain environmental conditions as part of evolutionary development is not an option , especially against the backdrop of climate change . |
From non-specific to specific
In classical gene modification approaches , which are still used today as non-GMO methods in agriculture , organisms are treated in laboratories by irradiation or with mutagenic chemicals to induce changes in the genome . This procedure is not really specific . Moreover , until recently it was hardly possible to analyse how the genome had changed as a result of the treatment . Only external appearance characteristics ( phenotype ) allowed conclusions to be drawn about
|
‘ successful ’ gene modification . Additional , unwanted genome changes remained undetected or persisted as silent accompaniers . Genome editing is a newer method of molecular biology to edit genomic DNA precisely at predetermined locations . The technique facilitates a hitherto unprecedented , targeted and precise insertion , deletion or modification of the genome of living organisms and therefore offers the opportunity to optimise non-specific modifications with specific or targeted modifications . |
‣ |
JAN / FEB 2022 |
33 |