Editing Biorobotics (section)

=== Science ===
There are three main techniques used in genetic engineering: The plasmid method, the vector method and the biolistic method.{{cn|date=April 2025}}

==== Plasmid method ====
This technique is used mainly for microorganisms such as bacteria. Through this method, DNA molecules called plasmids are extracted from bacteria and placed in a lab where restriction enzymes break them down. As the enzymes break the molecules down, some develop a rough edge that resembles that of a staircase which is considered 'sticky' and capable of reconnecting. These 'sticky' molecules are inserted into another bacteria where they will connect to the DNA rings with the altered genetic material.<ref name="MoGE">{{Cite web|url=https://mrlloyder.weebly.com/methods-of-genetic-engineering.html|title=Methods of Genetic Engineering|website=mrlloyder|access-date=2020-04-03}}{{self-published inline|date=April 2025}}</ref>

==== Vector method ====
The vector method is considered a more precise technique than the plasmid method as it involves the transfer of a specific gene instead of a whole sequence. In the vector method, a specific gene from a DNA strand is isolated through restriction enzymes in a laboratory and is inserted into a vector. Once the vector accepts the genetic code, it is inserted into the host cell where the DNA will be transferred.<ref name="MoGE"/>

==== Biolistic method ====
The biolistic method is typically used to alter the genetic material of plants. This method embeds the desired DNA with a metallic particle such as gold or tungsten in a high speed gun. The particle is then bombarded into the plant. Due to the high velocities and the vacuum generated during bombardment, the particle is able to penetrate the cell wall and inserts the new DNA into the cell.<ref>{{cite book |doi=10.1016/B978-0-12-391857-4.00008-2 |quote=In comparison to the agro-infilteration method, the method involving coating of gold or tungsten particles with DNA is cumbersome, involves a proprietary biolistic particle delivery system… and expensive consumables. The expression of mEosFP probes is usually assessed between 6 and 20 h after bombardment. This is a useful method if chlorophyll autofluorescence is a major impediment to observation since achlorophyllous cells such as those of the onion bulb epidermal layer can be used. |chapter=Green-to-Red Photoconvertible mEosFP-Aided Live Imaging in Plants |title=Imaging and Spectroscopic Analysis of Living Cells - Optical and Spectroscopic Techniques |series=Methods in Enzymology |date=2012 |last1=Mathur |first1=Jaideep |last2=Griffiths |first2=Sarah |last3=Barton |first3=Kiah |last4=Schattat |first4=Martin H. |volume=504 |pages=163–181 |pmid=22264534 |isbn=978-0-12-391857-4 }}</ref>