DNA is a nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions specifying the biological development of all cellular forms of life (Wikipedia).  Since biotechnology and genetic engineering have been available, researchers are able to relocate samples of DNA from one organism to another.

There are a few basic steps in rearranging DNA.  First, a scientist must cut the piece of the gene that they want to alter, hopefully for the better.  Cutting is removing the gene from the DNA chain and using enzyme “scissors” so they can cut the specific DNA site wanted.

Second, once the DNA site has been cut, researchers continue to open the DNA ring (plasmid), so they can insert the desired trait into the specific region on the gene.

Finally, a different enzyme is used to hold together the genetically desired new gene created by the researchers.

These simplified steps are what researchers have done to improve the quality of crops, the productivity and longevity of animals, and help identify traits in humans. Genetic testing is an ongoing phenomenon that is still in its infant stage in the scientific world. It will only continue to grow to help with the increasing demands of our society.

Source

For a more detailed demonstration and explanation of this process please visit:

http://webhost.bridgew.edu/citylab/course/Fall%2003/flowgeneticinfo3_03.pdf

This information was found at http://www.biotechknowledge.com/.

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