TRANSGENIC PLANTS

By: BS BIO

Introduction
Over the past decade, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have been in the news for their potential benefits to society Before human cloning making transgenic plants via biochemical and molecular biological procedures was the hot topic in biotechnology

An Overview

A) What are Transgenic Plants?

 Genetically modified/ Biotech crops or plants (GM crops, or bt crops) are plants whose DNA has been modified by a gene artificially inserted into that crop called a transgene for efficiency.

B) Creating Genetically Modified Plants

Isolate and clone gene of interest

Recombination

Adding selectable markers

Transformation

Selection

Regenerate whole plants

(1) Designing and making the gene construct

Extract DNA Put into a bacterial plasmid & then to Host cell Construct contains gene of interest, a promoter that effectively drives the gene & a terminator.

(2) Introducing the transgene to plants

Once the gene of interest has been amplified, it is time to introduce it into the respective plant species i.e. within nucleus of plant cell.
Two most common methods include the Gene Gun and Agrobacterium method.

a. Using Agrobacterium
Soil-dwelling bacteria Agrobacterium tumefaciens whose genomic DNA (t- DNA) integrated into a plants chromosome through a Ti plasmid.

b. Biolistic: an alternative method

High velocity micro-projectiles to deliver DNA Can give rise to un-wanted side effects Useful when no other options are available

Some Other Methods

Microinjection

Electroporation

Lipolysis

Sonication

(3) Confirming the plants are transgenic

Grown plants are known to contain T-DNA through antibiotic selection We can analyze gene integration at a very early stage even from the plantlet stage by PCR & Gel electrophoresis

(4) Growing plantlets

C) Applications for Genetically Modified Plants

(1) Improved shelf life

Flavr Savr Tomato

First GM-plant developed (1994)

Delayed softening Remains firm and fresh for a long time Resistance Have varieties, colors & shapes

(2) Improved nutrition

Purple tomatoes high in Anthocyanins Cauliflowers are claimed healthier Tearless (Sulfoxide free) Onions Golden rice accumulates betacarotene, inside the body betacarotene is converted to vitamin A

(3) Resistance
Insect resistance: Bt-Cotton isnt attacked by insects from Lepidopteron larvae, by gene from Bacillus thuringiensis. Also Btcorn. Fungal & Bacterial resistance: BtGroundnut isnt effected by Cercospora personata and Cercospora arachidicola that develop spots on the leaves. Also Bt- brinjal isnt effected by Mycoplasma parasites.
Viral Resistance: Tobacco ringspot TMV is cured by modifying gene.

(3) Production of biofuels

The fungus, Gliocladium roseum, produces molecules made of C & H that are found in diesel, forms "myco-diesel. The fungus grows inside tree in the temperate rainforest of Chile and Argentina.

(4) Production of useful byproducts

Delivery of a corn-based edible vaccine: Transgenic corn kernels (a), Corn snack (b) or Embryo or germ cells (c)
Non- allergic peanuts Decaffeinated coffee

(5) Bioremediation
Scientists at the University of York developed a weed (Arabidopsis thaliana) that contains genes from bacteria that clean up explosive contaminants from the soil

Hg, Se and organic pollutants such as Polychlorinated biophenyls (PCBs) i.e. explosive contaminants have been removed from soils by transgenic plants

The Future of biotech. & other cool products

AIDS & Tomato: Scientists are creating tomatoes with edible vaccines, they incorporated HIV antigen gene. Diabetes: Researchers fed diabetic mice with bt. plants with large amounts glutamic acid carboxylase.

Roots on upper part of plant: Scientist discovered a molecular switch to alter the auxin transport.
Blue Roses: Japanese Implanted the gene for Delphinidin, primary plant pigment with a blue hue but isnt found naturally.

D) What are the Disadvantages of Transgenic Crops?

1. Effect on human health 2. Effect on natural environment

Conclusion: Should We Use Transgenic Crops?

Most of us agree that the potential advantage of producing crops that provide the human population with more and cheaper food makes transgenic technology a useful invention