Biopharmaceuticals: GMOs and Vaccines Clarifying the definition, history, methods and relevancy of GMOs to our society is of the utmost importance. Genetically modified organisms and their applicability in multiple arenas have been a source for debate around the globe. Many individuals believe GMOs to be unsafe and unethical, while the biotechnology sector sees a profitable life-saving technology. Through the evaluation of scientifically relevant articles regarding genetically modified organisms, and their current and potential applications in biopharmaceuticals one can begin to understand the pros and cons of the technology.
Exploring Genetically Modified Organisms Genetically modified organisms, also referred to as transgenic organisms …show more content…
Once the desired protein is isolated from a cell bacteria uses restriction enzymes to dissect the DNA leaving “staggered cuts, called sticky ends.” (Starr, 2010. pp. 3) Sticky ends are used as a receptor of sorts, allowing the DNA strand to be spliced together with other pieces of DNA fragments also containing sticky ends. Bacterial plasmids often have human DNA inserted using a similar process as what is used to isolated the originating protein, the bacterial chromosomes are removed and the altered plasmid remains. The sticky ends from the host DNA and the plasmid are joined using special cell proteins, leaving a gene that can be inserted back into the bacteria cell where it can reproduce the desired protein. “Using this technique, scientists have engineered bacteria to produce insulin and vaccines and to manufacture ethanol and citric acid.” (Ireland, 2013, pp. 595) Since the 1980’s scientists have used this specific biotechnology to successfully manufacture biosynthetic human insulin. It was not until the last decade plus, that tools of biopharmaceuticals have come under scrutiny. The evaluation of specific transgenic plants and proteins used by the biopharmaceutical sector may give insight into the necessity of this technology. “Transgenic plant-derived vaccines comprise a new type of bioreactor that combines plant genetic engineering technology with an organism's immunological …show more content…
By understanding the process in which GMOs are created, and their applications an educated point of view becomes possible. Biotechnology and it’s related tools are being used to make advances in health care, research, food production, industrial fuel production, and otherwise. As when any emerging technology there may be unknowns and risks, however it is paramount to decide whether the benefits outweigh the potential negatives. Traditional vaccine technology may become ineffective with the emergence of new diseases, biopharmaceuticals and transgenic plant-derived oral vaccines should continue to be considered as an
Exploring Genetically Modified Organisms Genetically modified organisms, also referred to as transgenic organisms …show more content…
Once the desired protein is isolated from a cell bacteria uses restriction enzymes to dissect the DNA leaving “staggered cuts, called sticky ends.” (Starr, 2010. pp. 3) Sticky ends are used as a receptor of sorts, allowing the DNA strand to be spliced together with other pieces of DNA fragments also containing sticky ends. Bacterial plasmids often have human DNA inserted using a similar process as what is used to isolated the originating protein, the bacterial chromosomes are removed and the altered plasmid remains. The sticky ends from the host DNA and the plasmid are joined using special cell proteins, leaving a gene that can be inserted back into the bacteria cell where it can reproduce the desired protein. “Using this technique, scientists have engineered bacteria to produce insulin and vaccines and to manufacture ethanol and citric acid.” (Ireland, 2013, pp. 595) Since the 1980’s scientists have used this specific biotechnology to successfully manufacture biosynthetic human insulin. It was not until the last decade plus, that tools of biopharmaceuticals have come under scrutiny. The evaluation of specific transgenic plants and proteins used by the biopharmaceutical sector may give insight into the necessity of this technology. “Transgenic plant-derived vaccines comprise a new type of bioreactor that combines plant genetic engineering technology with an organism's immunological …show more content…
By understanding the process in which GMOs are created, and their applications an educated point of view becomes possible. Biotechnology and it’s related tools are being used to make advances in health care, research, food production, industrial fuel production, and otherwise. As when any emerging technology there may be unknowns and risks, however it is paramount to decide whether the benefits outweigh the potential negatives. Traditional vaccine technology may become ineffective with the emergence of new diseases, biopharmaceuticals and transgenic plant-derived oral vaccines should continue to be considered as an