Explain three basic steps to be followed during genetic modification of an organism.

Genetic modification is performed in three basic steps.

(1) The isolation of DNA fragments from the desired organism

• It involves finding the most suitable and desired trait to be modified from nature. It can be a gene of plant or microorganism.

(2) The inclusion of an isolated DNA fragment into a vector genome

• There are several ways of getting DNA fragments into host cells: These methods only introduce DNA into the cell; they do not incorporate it into the host DNA.

1. Electroporation - temporary holes are made in the membrane using electrical pulses.

2. Micro-projectiles - tiny beads of tungsten or gold coated with DNA fired by a gun into the cell.

3. DNA in liposomes - fuse with the cell membrane.

4. Using viruses as vectors

5. Microinjection

(3) The growth of a recombinant vector in an appropriate host

• A vector is a carrier of DNA molecule into which the desired gene can be inserted. Most commonly, this vector is a plasmid; a small, extra-chromosomal, circular piece of DNA found in bacteria in addition to their functional DNA.