History of genetic engineering facts for kids
The history of genetic engineering started around 12,000 BC. At the time, humans tried to domesticate animals.
The first artificial genetic engineering occurred in 1972. Two scientists named Herbert Norman Cohen transferred DNA then. In 1983, the first tobacco plant was created using genetic engineering. A gene that resisted antibiotics was introduced to the pl ant.
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Agriculture
Officially, genetic engineering is the direct manipulation of the genome with techniques developed in the 1970s. Without technology, genetic engineering has occurred in ancient times. It was through domestication and artificial selection that plants and animals were engineered. It is believed that the dog is the first domesticated animal, most likely from wolves.
Research
Development of genetic engineering allows scientists to study diseases.
Images for kids
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DNA studies suggested that the dog most likely arose from a common ancestor with the grey wolf.
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Paul Berg created the first recombinant DNA molecules in 1972.
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In 1974 Rudolf Jaenisch created the first GM animal.
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A laboratory mouse in which a gene affecting hair growth has been knocked out (left), is shown next to a normal lab mouse.
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Herbert Boyer helped found the first genetic engineering company in 1976.
See also
In Spanish: Historia de la ingeniería genética para niños
