Planning a Gene Tech project 3. Introduction Gene technology is a term that refers to a whole range of techniques for genetic investigation, analysis and change that depend on the direct manipulation of DNA, the material substance of heredity. The use of gene technology in biomedicine, agriculture and food production and processing is an issue that has evoked strong public interest and concern. The public better accepts medical and industrial uses of gene technology. The majority of Australians are eager for more quality information about the technology and its applications.
Most people think of gene technology as adding genes from other life forms to plants and animals.
While this is certainly part of it, the technology is broader than that, and has many more uses. Gene technology is developing at a rapid rate and it will continue to revolutionise basic biological research and development. It provides the potential to improve our health, create a safer and more secure food supply, generate greater prosperity and attain a more sustainable environment. The technology has given us vital new products like human insulin for diabetes, interferon and other drugs for treating certain cancers, and vaccines against diseases like hepatitis B. Millions of human lives are protected by gene technology every day. Genes carry information for making all the proteins required by all organisms.