9781422281352

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Introduction to Genetics N aomi works for a company in Europe that conducts scientific research on genes , the parts of a cell that control the characteristics of a living thing. She tries to find out what genes do and how to change, or “engineer,” them. This is called genetic engineering or genetic modifica- tion. Here is Naomi’s story: “When I was at school ten years ago, I loved science. Everyone said that science would be very important in the future—especially computers and genetics. For my work in genetics, I deal mainly with chemicals in flasks and test tubes. I also have to use machines which separate genes, identify them, and copy them. I’m a small part of a big team. I’m only involved in some of the work because genetics is a very compli- cated process.

Scientists in a genetic engineering laboratory monitor the development of genetical- ly modified seedlings from an agricultural crop. Genetic engineering is not only confined to the laboratory; it can affect the food that is grown all around the world.

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