Options in genetic engineering
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QUALITY CHECK: A research scientist studying embryonic stem cells at a laboratory.
Genetic Engineering, Genetic Modification and Gene Splicing are terms that indicate the process of manipulation of genes, usually outside the organism’s normal reproductive process.
It basically involves the isolation, manipulation and reintroduction of DNA into cells or model organisms, usually to express a protein.
The primary objective is to introduce new characteristics or attributes physiologically or physically, such as making a crop resistant to a herbicide.
A qualified genetic engineer must have a graduate/ postgraduate degree in genetics or related fields such as biotechnology, molecular biology, microbiology or biochemistry or a doctorate from a recognised university, based on 2 - 3 years of his own research under the guidance of a professor/ lecturer.
The basic eligibility criteria for a graduate degree (B.E./B.Tech.) is 10+2 or equivalent examination, with biology, chemistry and mathematics as well as genetics as part of biology or a bachelor’s degree in science or molecular biology.
Besides the Indian Institutes of Technology, you should also probe the idea of pursuing the programme in the following institutes and universities of repute: Benaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh; Biochemical Engineering Research and Process Development Centre, IMTECH, Chandigarh; Centre for DNA Finger Printing and Diagnostics (CDFD), Hyderabad; Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi; Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, Tamil Nadu; National Facility for Animal Cell and Tissue Culture, Pune; National Institute of Immunology (NII), New Delhi.
The Indian Institute of Science has created a niche for itself over the past century.
You can contact the chairman, Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics (MRDG), ( www.mrdg.iisc.ernet.in), Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560 012. Ph: 080 - 2932659. Email: chairman@mrdg.iisc.ernet.in
SHAHEED KHAN
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