What do you need to do DIY genetic engineering?

In summary, A group has developed a strain of oil-eating bacteria and someone is interested in replicating the experiment. They are wondering what kind of equipment they would need and if it is possible to do at home. There are biopunk groups that buy or build lab equipment and perform experiments at home, but it is unlikely that they could produce results on the same scale as a professional research institution. However, there are technologies available such as Biobricks and in-fusion assembly that make it easier and cheaper to design and assemble plasmids. These methods have been used in high school level projects. People who breed animals are not necessarily wealthy, so it is possible for individuals to afford genetic engineering kits.
  • #1
Warpspeed13
125
2
I was reading an article about some guys developing a strain of oil eating bacteria on their own. What kind of equipment would someone need to do that? It sounds really cool.
 
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  • #2
I really, really would like to see this article.
 
  • #3
It was a while ago and I can't find it again. I'm probably not remembering the article correctly either, sorry. Either way the question still stands.
 
  • #5
Cool article but I meant what equipment. I don't actually care about oil eating bacteria all that much. How could anyone afford to genetic engineering at home with bacteria and viruses unless they were Bill Gates?
 
  • #6
There are plenty of biopunk groups that buy (or even build) lab equipment and perform all sorts of simple experiments in their homes. At the moment I'm sceptical that such a movement could produce something positive on the same scale as a professional, well funded research institution but there are technologies out there that are making it cheaper and simpler to design plasmids, build them and transfect bacteria. Biobricks for example is an approach which attempts to standardise plasmid design with a database of modular sequences that can be assembled to produce a gene network. Techniques like in-fusion assembly make it fairly straight forward to assemble these parts together.
 
  • #7
Cool. Are bio bricks currently available for purchase or are they still in the planning / useless faze?
 
  • #8
I don't know about "available for purchase" to the general public, but they are definitely real, and capable of being used for projects at high school level. http://2014hs.igem.org/Main_Page
 
  • #9
AFAIK, people who breed dogs or livestock or horses are all not as wealthy as Bill Gates. Of course, the methods used in this type of genetic engineering doesn't involve (too many) test tubes.
 
  • #10
Google: genetic engineering kit
 

1. What is DIY genetic engineering?

DIY genetic engineering, also known as biohacking, is the practice of manipulating genetic material in living organisms using accessible and affordable tools and techniques. It involves altering the genetic code of an organism to produce desired traits or characteristics.

2. What do I need to do DIY genetic engineering?

To do DIY genetic engineering, you will need basic laboratory equipment such as pipettes, beakers, and test tubes. You will also need a source of DNA, which can be obtained from plants, animals, or bacteria. Additionally, you will need knowledge of genetic engineering techniques and safety protocols.

3. Is it legal to do DIY genetic engineering?

The legalities of DIY genetic engineering vary by country and region. In the United States, there are currently no federal regulations specifically governing DIY genetic engineering. However, it is important to check with local laws and regulations before embarking on any DIY genetic engineering projects.

4. Is it safe to do DIY genetic engineering?

DIY genetic engineering can be safe if proper precautions and safety protocols are followed. It is important to have a thorough understanding of the techniques and materials involved and to follow established safety guidelines. Additionally, it is recommended to work with a trained professional or in a community lab setting.

5. What are the potential risks of DIY genetic engineering?

The potential risks of DIY genetic engineering include accidental release of genetically modified organisms into the environment, unintended consequences on the target organism or other organisms, and potential harm to human health. It is important to carefully consider these risks and take necessary precautions before conducting any DIY genetic engineering experiments.

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