The process of genetic engineering is known by many different names such as gene, or DNA manipulation, gene splicing, transgenics and many others. However the underlying processes all have the same aim and that is:
"To isolate single genes of a known function from one organism and transfer a copy of that gene to a new host to introduce a desirable characteristic"
The structure of every living thing is determined by its genes. A gene is a chemical code which contains an instruction for the body to express a particular attribute such as eye colour, skin pigment or height. Each gene is made up of a segment of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid).
Scientists are able to extract DNA from any organism and can then isolate a specific gene through the use of restriction endonucleases, which cut DNA strands at specific points. The gene is then copied billions fold in readiness for transfer to another organism.
