Genetic Engineering a new scope with a lot of prospects
How to get the insulin used by diabetic patients? Where to get the insulin? It was the part of the scientist who discovered who eventually determined that the insulin can be purified of pigs or cattle was sufficient to treat the insulin deficiency in the diabetic patients. But this major breakthrough accompanied with side effects for some patients. They suffered an allergic reaction. This is where genetic engineering solved the problem and paved a way to a new field of scientific and medical advances. Likewise the advancement was seen in the year 1997 when Dolly made headlines as being the first successfully cloned large mammal. Since then genetic engineering made various developments in medicine like the treatment for cancer, in agriculture like transgenic insect resistant crops and also in the animal husbandry sector
Genetic Engineering is all about as intention to reshuffle the sequence of DNA in a gene by the use of artificial methods. Work that involves genetic engineers are that of the extraction of DNA out of an organism to change it by the use of chemicals or by radiation and then putting it back into that same organism or different organism. They also do make a study how various behaviors and characteristics are transmitted generations after generation and also the reasons causing genetic disorders. Through research they analyze the cause and trying to figure out the potential cures.
Can you be a successful genetic engineer?
For you to become a successful genetic engineer, you need to have a sharp analytic mind with a propensity for research. Further, you should have an exceptional concentration power with an eye for minute details along with an imaginative power. Also, you should be powered with a lot of stamina for you to cope with the long hours of work. Moreover you should have an ability to work in a team and above all you should be gifted with a sound moral sense.
Scope of work involves plants, animals and humans
Genetic engineering can be divided into specialization in relation to plants, animals and also humans. In plants and animals this field relates in improving the resistance to disease that results in damage, improving the natural characteristics of value and also to develop new ones. The developments relate to the change of color, the size and the texture results in a genetically modified food. In human genetic engineering is utilized to detect hereditary defects by the introduction of normal genes into the cells to replace the missing and the defective ones.
Job prospects
The demand for genetic engineers is increasing both in India and also in other countries. Medical, pharma industries and agricultural sectors have a natural demand for genetic engineers. They can also work in the research and development departments both in the public and the private sectors. Other than that, they can also opt for teaching.
A post graduate degree holder with a specialization in genetic engineering do earn a initial salary of Rs.5000- Rs.8000 whereas a person with a Phd doctoral degree do get Rs.10,000 initially.