The chromosomes tightly coiled in living cells are the books. The DNA that makes up the chromosomes are the sentences, which in turn are made up of strings of words called genes. Akin to the letters in a words, nucleotides, A, G, T and C, are the fundamental units of genes, and the basis of all biological instructions. Modern biotechnology took off when scientists found that all living things use this same genetic message code. The aim of today's gene technologist is to introduce, enhance or delete particular characteristics of a living thing, depending on whether they are considered desirable or undesirable.
Gene technology is just one branch of modern biotechnology.
When this happens, the new living thing created is known as transgenic. Usually gene technology involves the manipulation of the cell's capacity to produce proteins, so that it produces new proteins and performs new functions. Gene technology has other applications, too. In medicine, for example, 'gene therapy' may give us treatments for those diseases attributed, in part, to a person's genetic make-up. You can read more on the basics of genes and gene technology courtesy of the federal government's Gene Technology Information Unit .