GENETIC ENGINEERING IN AGRICULTURE
The Restoration of Food
editing process
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how gmos are created
The process of how GMOs are created is an elaborate, complex subject. However, here is a brief summary on the process.
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Identify desired trait - Organisms are genetically engineered sometimes due to problems with growth, added nutritional values, or used as a natural pesticide. From there, the gene is then isolated and proceeds on to the next step.
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Gene is placed in transfor vector- Large biotech companies will often use a gene gun that has particles covered with DNA and is then inserted in plant tissue. However, Monsanto, an influential GMO corporation uses agrobacterium tumefaciens, a bacteria that alters the plant using their own DNA naturally. From here, transformation takes place.
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Transformation - A. tumefaciens cells which hold the plasmid of the new, desired gene is mixed with explants. Some cells then may absorb transferred DNA, a plasmid. The chromosome of the plant is then altered when A. tumefaciens is inserts the wanted gene.
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Separation - Separation of the new modified cells and the original cells will occur. Marker genes are a vital tool in this step.
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Tissue culture - New whole plants will form after the explants are taken on media containing nutrients. The growth is then carefully monitored in a controllable environment.
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Verification of Transformation - To see if the gene is inherited correctly without any complications, tests will be performed to observe protein production, gene expression, and more.
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Growth - The growing of the organism then occurs in a controlled environment. Climate controlled chambers are invested in by large corporations. Automated machines are additionally used.
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Safety Assessment - Safety is assessed with the plant's performance.
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transgenics
Transgenics is included in one of the four ways GMOs are produced. This method involves inserting a transgene into an organism, allowing it to inherit new desired characteristics. This can be administered by plasmid vectors, enzymes, viral vectors, and more. In the pronucleus, th desired gene is transmitted using a needle of 0.5 to 5 micrometers during DNA microinjection. However, this method does not prove to have a high success rate. Transgenic crops are labeled as GMOs, different from mutagenesis and traditional breeding. Additionally, only one to four genes are affected. Examples of this transgenic organisms include BT crops and "super" mice discovered in the 1980's.
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[E.7] Here displays the process of how GMOs are created.
rnai
Another method of genetically modifying organisms would be RNAi, also known as gene suppression or gene silencing. This method affects one to two genes and is also labeled as a GMO. The enzyme Dicer dices double stranded RNA to form small interfering RNA. Both microRNA and siRNA play an important role in this method. MicroRNAs are non-coding RNAs that aid in gene expression and siRNA are both used in RNA inducing silencing complex (RISC). Using RNA, selected genes can be switched off. Examples of this use would be tomatoes and corn, proving it to be a valuable tool in the world or agriculture.
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mutagenesis
Mutagenesis is not labeled as a GMO and occurs when an organism is exposed to radiation of chemicals. Varying types of mutagenesis include random, site-directed, combinatorial, and insertional. Mutagenesis evolved to be capable of directing specific applications instead of random selection. Additionally, examples of products derived from mutagenesis are the asian pear and grapefruit while examples of mutagens include gamma rays, X-rays, and neutrons.
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[E.9] Here is an image of the asian pear, an example of mutagenesis.
traditional breeding
Traditional breeding is used frequently, more frequent than the other methods. This technique consists of crossing differing plants with one another and also requires no safety testing. Traditional breeding changes a large amount of genes, ranging from ten thousand to three hundred thousand genes. This technique takes place in somatic cells, is man-made, and involves differing genes in organisms that can be dead or alive. Additionally, in this process "genes are inserted with other genetic material" [E.6] Examples of crops using traditional breeding include wheat, barley, rice, potatoes, and more.
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