genteknik

Genteknik, or gene technology, refers to a set of methods used to modify the genetic material of organisms to study gene function or to confer new traits. It encompasses recombinant DNA technology, gene cloning, genome editing (for example CRISPR-Cas9), gene silencing, and the creation of transgenic organisms. The field covers applications in agriculture, medicine, industry, and basic research.

The development of genteknik began with recombinant DNA techniques in the 1970s, enabling the combination of genetic material from different organisms. In the 1990s, genetically modified crops were introduced commercially in several countries. The advent of genome editing tools such as CRISPR-Cas9 in the early 2010s significantly expanded the precision and accessibility of genetic modification.

Applications include agriculture, where crops can be engineered for pest resistance, herbicide tolerance, or enhanced nutrition; medicine, including the production of therapeutic proteins, development of gene therapies, and vaccine design; and industry, where engineered microbes produce enzymes, biofuels, or specialty chemicals. Genteknikis also plays a major role in basic biological research by allowing precise modification of genes to study their functions.

Safety, ethics, and regulation are central to the field. Benefits include potential increases in food security and new treatments, while risks involve off-target genetic changes, unintended ecological impacts, gene flow to wild relatives, and social or ethical concerns about modifying living beings. Regulatory frameworks typically require risk assessment, containment protocols, and, in many jurisdictions, labeling and monitoring of GMOs. International agreements and national laws guide oversight, risk management, and responsible innovation.