Transgena

Transgena, or transgene, is a gene that has been transferred from one organism to another, or an organism that carries such a gene. The term is used in genetics to describe sequences introduced into an organism's genome through genetic modification. Transgenes enable the expression of new traits, such as enzymes or proteins, not found in the original genome.

Transgene delivery relies on recombinant DNA techniques and various molecular tools. Common methods include Agrobacterium-mediated transformation in plants, particle bombardment, viral vectors, and genome editing approaches that insert the transgene at a chosen location, such as CRISPR knock-ins.

Applications span agriculture, medicine, and research. In agriculture, transgenes may confer pest resistance or herbicide tolerance. In medicine, organisms can be engineered to produce therapeutic proteins. In research, transgenic animals and plants serve as models and often contain reporter genes to track expression.

Safety and regulation vary by country. Risk assessments examine ecological effects, gene flow to wild relatives, off-target genome edits, and food safety. Ethical considerations include animal welfare, environmental impact, and labeling or consumer choice.

Notable examples include crops that express insecticidal proteins, such as Bt crops, and enhanced crops like those engineered to produce beta-carotene. Transgenic model organisms, including GFP-expressing animals, are widely used in biology to study development, gene function, and disease processes.