Principles of genetic engineering

The field of genetic engineering has revolutionized many scientific fields, from fundamental sciences to medicine and engineering. The genetic engineering applications are wide ranging, but herein emphasis is given to its application in the biotechnology and bioengineering fields. Since their appearance in the early 1970s, the techniques used for modifying living organisms have evolved significantly. This chapter compiles information on the principles of genetic engineering, not only describing the basic techniques used in molecular biology and the basics of recombinant DNA technology, but also presenting more recent developments in these techniques, as well as up-to-date in silico tools. The specificities of the genetic engineering approaches used for the modification of an organism's metabolism (metabolic engineering) and for the production of high-value products, such as recombinant proteins, are also addressed. Examples of relevant applications in biotechnology and bioengineering are presented throughout the chapter.