Genetic Engineering Movie Plots That Turned Out To Be True In Real Life
The use of genetic engineering as a story in films and television programmes classified as science fiction has a long tradition.
When everything goes wrong, as it always will, the thought of genetic engineering in humans to make them superior or genetically designing animals to have more remarkable features is alluring, and that’s when cinematic magic comes.
What Is Genetic Engineering?
The direct altering of an organism’s DNA via biotechnology is what is known as genetic engineering (also known as genetic modification).
It is a collection of techniques that may alter the genetic makeup of cells, including the transfer of genes both inside and across species, to produce creatures that are superior to or distinctive from those that already live.
Genetic Engineering Example:
To produce a particular characteristic, for instance, genetic engineering may include inserting a gene from one species into an organism of a different species.
Utilized in both academic and commercial settings, genetic engineering has been put to use in the manufacture of cancer treatments, brewing yeasts, genetically modified plants and animals, and several other things.
Types Of Genetic Engineering
The three primary types of genetic engineering are described in the following. Take a peek.
Recombinant DNA
A recombinant DNA technology is a genetic engineering technology in which an artificial DNA molecule is generated by ligating two separate DNAs using physical means.
This type of genetic engineering technology is known as recombinant DNA technology. Experiments on gene transfer may be conducted when the gene of interest has been successfully introduced into the plasmid vector.
Gene delivering
A method known as “gene delivery” is used to insert a gene of interest into the host organism’s genome.
There are a few different ways this may be accomplished: electrophoration, solicitation, viral vector-mediated gene transfer, liposome-mediated gene transfer, and transposon-mediated gene transfer.
Gene editing
To change the genome, a process known as gene editing is performed. This approach allows for the removal of an undesirable DNA sequence or the addition of a new gene into the host’s genome.
Experiments involving gene therapy often use several gene-editing techniques, including CRISPR-CAS9, TALEN, and ZFN.
Advantages Of Genetic Engineering
It enables a quicker growth rate.
Plants and animals may be altered via genetic engineering to mature more quickly. This maturation may be expedited by engineering outside the favourable genetic circumstances for regular development.
It becomes feasible to enlarge what can be cultivated in certain circumstances, even if there is more heat or less light.
It may result in a longer life.
The genetic alteration may make resistance to typical types of organism death possible. For plants to grow as a crop without additional chemicals, pest resistance may be included in their genetic profiles.
The genetic makeup of animals may be changed to lessen the likelihood of frequent health issues affecting the breed or species. Each creature has the potential for an increased lifetime as a result.
Particular qualities may be cultivated.
Through genetic engineering, particular features that might increase a plant or animal’s appeal for use or eating can be created. To provide a wider variety of products, different hues may be developed.
Animals may be altered to produce more milk, develop more muscular tissue, or develop various coats, allowing for the production of a greater variety of textiles.
It’s possible to develop new goods.
By mixing or adding distinct characteristics, new goods may be made through genetic engineering.
One example of this is using genetic engineering to change the profile of a particular product, like a potato, so that it may provide more nutrients per kcal than it would otherwise. This enables more individuals to meet their nutritional needs even with limited access to food, which may lower global food insecurity.
Higher yields may be generated.
The properties of plants or animals may also be altered via genetic engineering to increase the yields per plant. There is a bigger food supply and better financial gain for a farmer when more fruits are produced per tree.
The higher production also allows for employing modified organisms in several other ways. For instance, modified maize may produce ethanol, bigger cobs for human consumption, or animal feed.
Genetic Engineering Movie Plots
Due to how intriguing the concept is, genetic engineering has been featured in films for a very long time. Remarkable discoveries are being made using CRISPR in the real world, and the seemingly endless applications of this technology make for great television.
Suppose the concept of combining the real-world science of genetic engineering with the realm of science fiction intrigues you. In that case, you’re going to adore this rundown of fictional depictions of genetics in movies and television series.
Some of these films were among the first to include genetic engineering in science fiction, long before CRISPR was even a thing. On the other hand, more contemporary films are using the newly discovered uses of CRISPR and bringing them to a whole new level.
Let’s start with the top genetic engineering movie plots in the blockbuster films we love.
X-Men (2000)DNA
The X-Men are a lovable, mismatched group of Marvel superheroes that team up to the battle crime. Each member has a genetic mutation that gives them their talents. Professor Xavier, one of the central protagonists, devotes his life to researching these genetic anomalies and their origins.
Although the mutants in this book are born with abilities, there are rare exceptions to the rule. Along with his naturally occurring mutations, “Wolverine” (Hugh Jackman) was a victim of forced genetic engineering to “enhance” his skills.
In the original series, a pharmaceutical corporation similarly seeks to eradicate mutants by utilizing a mutant’s DNA to create a treatment that silences the “X-Gene” that causes human mutation. This mutant’s ability prevents the effects of other mutants.
Spider-Man (2002) / The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)
There are several explanations for how Spider-Man acquires his abilities throughout the Spider-Man universe. Still, in the first film (starring Toby Maguire), Peter Parker was bitten by a spider that was also genetically modified to possess stronger abilities.
After experiencing some nausea and getting a decent night’s sleep, Peter Parker’s abilities and spider-like traits materialize, and Spider-Man is created.
In The Amazing Spider-Man (Andrew Garfield), the antagonist Dr Connors’ research, results in a serum that strives to accomplish flawless limb regeneration via genetic manipulation.
This adds another genetically changing element to the story. Although the serum does cause his arm to grow back, it also has various other undesirable side effects.
Jurassic Park (1993) / Jurassic World (2015)
Long regarded as a classic, Jurassic Park was revived by Jurassic World, which provided yet another example of well-intended mistakes.
The movie Jurassic Park, a different version of modern-day Earth, depicts scientists utilizing dinosaur DNA discovered in a mosquito preserved in amber to rebuild several dinosaur species that had previously gone extinct.
As they experiment with fusing the genomes of various species, Jurassic World stresses the genetic engineering component of bringing the dinosaurs to life even more.
The genetic composition of a T-Rex is used to produce the Indominus Rex, a brand-new species, along with DNA from the Velociraptor, Giganotosaurus, cuttlefish, tree frogs, vipers, and other creatures.
Consequently, a dinosaur emerges with skills that the scientists could not foresee and entirely escapes human control to destroy the park and everything in it.
Deadpool (2016)
Everyone’s favourite anti-hero, Deadpool, spends the whole movie trying to get revenge on the guy who subjected him and many others to experiments to produce—you guessed it—human super warriors. In this movie, a villain recruits “volunteers” who believe they will become super warriors after receiving a serum injection but are tortured until their bodies produce enough adrenaline to activate the serum.
Wade Wilson, the movie’s main character, has undergone alteration that presents faster healing, giving him immortality. His body can even evacuate bullets that have punctured his head, and his limbs can regrow.
This movie explores the always fascinating idea that genetic engineering in humans may provide them with superpowers in the future.
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)
In his initial appearance (Episode 22 “Space Seed”), Khan Noonien Singh, one of the most adored antagonists in the Star Trek universe, is described as a byproduct of the selective breeding practises of the 20th century that sought to produce the “ideal human.”
Instead of getting along and improving the world, these “perfect” people jointly captured more than one-third of the planet and rose to the position of warlords, starting a global eugenic war.
The confrontations between Khan and Kirk in Season 1 of Star Trek highlight the worry that genetically modified humans may triumph over the rest of us unmodified Joes, despite only being the narrative for Khan’s initial appearance in that season.
This movie is perfect for you if you like vintage science fiction.
Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002)
Given that it has been one of the most popular movie franchises, the Star Wars series probably doesn’t require an introduction.
However, you may not have realized that the main theme of Episode II: Attack of the Clones is genetic engineering. It becomes apparent that a dark entity of some kind has created a clone army to aid in the battle against a war they are attempting to start on a mostly tranquil planet.
In the movie, Ewan McGregor’s character Obi-Wan Kenobi finds a factory making clones.
The designer claims that even though they are shown as developing in womb-like structures, they are genetically altered to allow for faster development (in half the time of a typical human), complete submission, and less independence than the human they are based after.