Michael Andreucci
The Basics of Genetics
Before humans even knew anything about genes or how genetics work we were already dabbling in the field unknowingly. Different crops and animals had been chosen for selective breeding in order to produce the most optimal species since prehistoric times. Agriculture literally began with the selective breeding of different plants and grasses that were beneficial to humans. Examples of humans using selective breeding to benefit us would be things like dogs and all of the different kinds of corn. By using selective breeding, humans have been able to achieve a multitude of variety in animals that all stem from the same original animal. For instance,
the Great Dane and Chihuahua dog varieties from the wolf. Furthermore, 'unnatural' hybrids -- i.e. creating breeds across species barriers - were made in ancient times. For instance the mule, a cross between a jackass or male donkey and a mare has been used as a pack animal in Europe for at least 3,000 years; however Mules are usually sterile and only very rarely reproduce.
In order to fully grasp what genetic engineering is you will first have to have at least a fundamental understanding of how genetics work. I remembered from ninth grade Biology a man named Charles Darwin but I did not remember what he did or why he was important to the advancement of genetics. I did research on him and discovered some interesting things about his contributions to the field of genetics. Charles Darwin's biggest contribution would have to be the publication of his book The Origins of The Species. Darwin’s book highlights the extent of breeding in his time. Darwin goes into excruciating detail about a surplex of different topics ranging from natural selection in the wild to changes in animals caused by humans.
