Genetic Engineering

Abstract

Genetic engineering stands today as one of the most transformative disciplines in modern biological sciences. Over the past five decades, advances in molecular biology have made it possible not only to understand the structure and function of genes, but also to manipulate them with remarkable precision. What began as fundamental research into the molecular nature of DNA has evolved into a powerful technological framework that now influences medicine, agriculture, environmental science, and industrial biotechnology. This course manual is designed for third-year undergraduate (L3) students in biological sciences, biotechnology, biochemistry, and related fields. Its objective is to provide a solid conceptual foundation while also introducing the practical tools and experimental strategies that define contemporary genetic engineering. The content bridges theoretical knowledge and laboratory application, allowing students to understand both the “why” and the “how” of molecular manipulation. Throughout this manual, students will explore the core principles of recombinant DNA technology, including restriction enzymes, cloning vectors, host systems, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), DNA sequencing technologies, genomic and cDNA libraries, and modern genome editing tools such as CRISPR-Cas systems. Emphasis is placed not only on the mechanisms underlying these techniques but also on their applications in real-world contexts, including recombinant protein production, transgenic organisms, gene therapy, and next-generation sequencing.