Hacking Life: The Basics of Genetic Engineering

Genetic engineering is literally just cutting and pasting life using microscopic scissors.

It all starts with bacteria, which act like tiny biological photocopiers. They carry these

extra little DNA rings called plasmids. Scientists use tools called restriction enzymes to slice

these rings open, creating sticky ends. Then, we take a gene from

another species, like a human, and paste it right in using a molecular glue called ligase.

Once we put that remixed DNA back into the bacteria, it replicates wildly, creating millions

of identical clones. We are basically hacking bacterial defense systems to rewrite the code

of life.