Science Discovers Eternal Wisdom

Author(s): Amarendravijay, J D Lodaya, Bhuvanchandra
Publisher: Jain Sahitya Academy

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body immunity against infection is well under way through this process involving E.Coli. Genetic engineering has opened the door to innumerable possibilities. Until now, genetic traits in plants and animals were considered exclusive domain of Nature, but thanks to biotechnology and genetic engineering, genetic traits can now be tinkered with. For example, the gene responsible for the glow of the glow-worm has been successfully transferred to tobacco-leaf at California University laboratory; thus, tobacco plants glowing in the dark can now be grown.
Revolutionary changes through genetic engineering and biotechnology are on the cards in the system of modern medicine with the advent of new era in drug production and therapeutic innovation. Not only that, through introduction of specific gene as in plants and animals, it would soon be possible to modify human habits and behaviour too. Scientists hope that with biotechnology it may be feasible to create such plants and germs that could help solve our present problems of air and water pollution and shortage of fuel.
Science has managed to achieve such breakthrough by bringing about selective changes in the structure of a living cell, but it cannot create a completely new cell through chemical interaction alone in the laboratory.
The much-talked about 'Test-tube baby' story may confuse one and wrongly lead one to believe that science can now create human embryo in the laboratory, but that is not so. In test-tube baby creation, science contributes only to the extent that it brings about the union/fertilisation of the ovum by the sperm in the laboratory and implants the embryo in the womb in cases of those infertile couples who due to some defect are incapable of doing so in the natural course. For this, there are two techniques; in IN-Vitro Fertilisation embryo Transfer technique, the fertilisation of the egg by sperm takes place in a test-tube and is then implanted in the womb while in the other process called GIFT, science helps in achieving the
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