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What are Transgenic Plants?

Debra Durkee
Debra Durkee

Transgenic plants are those that have been genetically engineered to contain gene sequences that do not naturally occur within their species. These gene sequences can come from plants of a different species, and are introduced in order to try to change some fundamental characteristics of the plant. Some plants that most commonly undergo this process are food crops, which can ideally be made more efficient and more productive by the introduction of new genetic material.

Some of the desirable traits that can be bred into these transgenic plants include resistances to disease and pests, higher yield, higher quality fruits, vegetables, or flowers, and an increased tolerance to weather conditions. Until the invention of inserting new genetic material artificially, plants were bred to accent these characteristics by simply taking the best examples from the same species and crossing them in the hopes of developing the most impressive offspring. This process can be made more efficient with the aid of science.

Fruits and vegetables are often genetically modified.
Fruits and vegetables are often genetically modified.

One of the first steps is determining which genes are to be replaced. Every section of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) governs a different part of the plant, whether it is responsible for how many petals are on a flower or how long the cells develop. Genetic experts must determine what gene controls each specific process and then also determine which portion of what plant it will be replaced with.

Genetic engineering creates transgenic plants.
Genetic engineering creates transgenic plants.

In their native environments, plants receive new genetic material through the process of pollination. This new information is inserted artificially in processes that can be done in several ways in transgenic plants. Boilistics, a term that combines the words biology and ballistics, is the process by which new DNA is injected directly into the plant cells through the cell walls. This is the favored process when implanting a monocot, or plant with seedlings with only one seed leaf.

Kiwis, oranges and other fruits have been genetically modified to be resistant to certain diseases.
Kiwis, oranges and other fruits have been genetically modified to be resistant to certain diseases.

When it comes to creating transgenic dicots, the agrobacterium method has met with the most success. In this process, a soil-based species of bacteria called Agrobacterium tumefaciens is used as a carrier. Injected with the new, desired strain of DNA, the bacteria are then introduced to the soil the plant is rooted it. This unique strain of bacteria then invades the plant and uses the plant's own cells to reproduce itself, introducing the new genetic strain.

Creating a successful group of transgenic plants depends on factors such as the ability of the plant to pass its new genetic sequence on to future generations. Once the gene has been successfully introduced and inherited, biologists must continue to study the new plant to make sure that there are no unforeseen complications that arise from the new genetic material. Transgenic plants are also known as genetically modified (GM) plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly are transgenic plants?

Transgenic plants are genetically modified organisms (GMOs) where new DNA is introduced into the plant's genome using biotechnology. This process allows for the addition of new traits not naturally found in the species, such as resistance to pests, tolerance to herbicides, or improved nutritional content. The goal is to enhance crop performance and agricultural productivity.

How are transgenic plants created?

Scientists create transgenic plants through a process called genetic engineering. This involves isolating a desired gene from one organism and inserting it into the plant's DNA. Techniques like gene splicing or the use of a gene gun are common methods. The plant cells with the new gene are then grown into plants that express the trait encoded by that gene.

What are some examples of transgenic plants?

Common examples of transgenic plants include Bt corn, which produces a natural insecticide to protect against pests, and Roundup Ready soybeans, engineered to be resistant to glyphosate herbicide. Golden Rice, enriched with vitamin A, is another example aimed at addressing nutritional deficiencies in some populations.

Are transgenic plants safe to eat?

According to the World Health Organization and numerous scientific studies, transgenic plants are as safe to eat as their non-GMO counterparts. They undergo rigorous testing for safety, nutritional value, and allergenicity before being approved for human consumption. However, they continue to be a topic of public debate and regulatory scrutiny.

What are the environmental impacts of transgenic plants?

Transgenic plants can have both positive and negative environmental impacts. On the positive side, they can reduce the need for chemical pesticides and increase crop yields, conserving biodiversity and resources. However, concerns include potential gene flow to wild relatives, development of resistant pests, and effects on non-target organisms, necessitating careful management and monitoring.

How do transgenic plants contribute to sustainable agriculture?

Transgenic plants can contribute to sustainable agriculture by increasing crop resilience to stress factors like pests, diseases, and extreme weather, reducing the reliance on chemical inputs, and improving yields on existing farmland. This can lead to more efficient use of land and resources, potentially reducing the pressure to convert wild areas into farmland.

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    • Fruits and vegetables are often genetically modified.
      By: ivan kmit
      Fruits and vegetables are often genetically modified.
    • Genetic engineering creates transgenic plants.
      By: luchshen
      Genetic engineering creates transgenic plants.
    • Kiwis, oranges and other fruits have been genetically modified to be resistant to certain diseases.
      By: Dzianis Rakhuba
      Kiwis, oranges and other fruits have been genetically modified to be resistant to certain diseases.