9781422281352

Under a powerful microscope, pieces of DNA look like fuzzy threads or lengths of string.

to study them all. When we move a gene into a different type of living thing, it might not work properly in its new ‘home.’ And we have to be very careful about safety. Genes are just tiny scraps of chemicals, but some people believe that if they get into the wrong place, they might create a new germ or even a dangerous mutant. “A few years ago, genetic engineering promised so much. We were going to feed the hungry, heal the sick, and save the world. Progress is happening, but it’s very slow. And almost

9

Introduction to Genetics