Red, green and white genetic engineering

With its immense variety of possible applications, genetic engineering already has an influence on many major market segments.

Essentially genetic engineering breaks down into three areas: red genetic engineering refers to medical and pharmaceutical applications; green genetic engineering embraces the field of molecular breeding methods for designing new plants and foodstuffs; and white genetic engineering covers environmental microbiology, environmental technology and other technical or industrial applications.

Red genetic engineering: Medical applications

Applications of red genetic engineering are the following:

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  Diagnosis of hereditary disorders, such as Huntington's disease and certain forms of breast cancer
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  Research into the causes of other disorders. Investigation of new drug targets
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  Prevention through new vaccines or conduct based on genetic tests
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  New forms of treatment using new drugs or gene therapy
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  Positive identification of individuals, e.g. paternity tests or forensic science

Green genetic engineering: Nutritional and agricultural applications

Focus of green genetic engineering applications:

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  Improving desired properties (e.g. improving storage or shelf-life) and modifying composition to better nutritional value or for technical applications (oil, starch)
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  Resistance to disease and insects in order to improve cost efficiency and reduce the use of agricultural chemicals
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  Adaptation to locations with marginal soil conditions in order to stabilize production, particularly in developing countries

White genetic engineering: Industrial applications

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  Resource-saving production of chemicals
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  Production of drugs and food additives using genetically modified organisms
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  Degradable plastics, detergents, enzymes, etc.
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  Use of specific microbes for soil and wastewater treatment (grey genetic engineering)
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  High product purity through specific synthesis of active agents