Often, we think of genetic engineering as beginning only a few years ago.
This is not at all true. People began domestication both on animals and plants
thousands of years ago as society moved from hunting and gathering to a more
settled agricultural society. Although it wasn't known by this name, these
domestications were based on a primative form of genetic engineering. Techniques have evolved and changed overtime with the addition
of new knowledge. We have touched on many of these discoveries including
Mendel's work and information involving DNA as the genetic material. As a
class, we will be learning the process of genetic engineering from Dr. Wilson.
This presentation will introduce some of the effects genetic engineering
has on our society.
Definitions
*Scientific alteration of the structure of genetic material in a
living organism
*Improvement of the total organism, the production of the organism, or the production of
valuable or rare products by the organism by these methods