Genetic Engineering, Microbes

The techniques involved in isolation and manipulation of genes from several microbes have become routine. Genes are cloned into plasmid or phage-based vectors and introduced into the microbe of choice. The number of vectors that have been engineered to be versatile is on the increase for several systems. Some vectors are commercially available for gene manipulations from several vendors. In addition, construction of gene libraries and screening are also performed by small biotechnology companies. Most of the reagents needed for gene manipulation such as oligonucleotides, peptides, and antibodies are commercially available. In addition, kits are also accessible for some of the routine tasks such as plasmid isolation, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing, etc. The methods involved in the production of proteins in microbes are those of gene expression. Genetically engineered microbes are used to produce several commercial products. The number of products is likely to increase. They include therapeutics, bulk enzymes, antibiotics, chemicals, and crop protection products. Keywords: Gene transfer; Gene actuation; Amplification; Gene expression; Microbes; E. coli; Pseudomonas; Yeasts; Rhodoccus; Lactic acid; Commercial products; Therapeutics; Crop protection; Enzyme