Genetic Marvels – Plants
01/02/2015 11:32
In Our Modern day's science, we have achieved many things that are more than imaginable by a common man. Genetics is one of the major stepping stones in Science today. Genetics has its hands on various fields, and one major field is agriculture. Genetically modified plants are the focus for many reasons. Mostly to introduce a new trait in a plant that it does not naturally possess or to better the nutritious content of the crop. Genetic modification means a plant’s DNA is modified in a certain manner in order to get the desired result. Many food crops are genetically modified to become resistant to pests, diseases and even become resistant to chemical treatments such as herbicides. As it goes with anything new in science, Genetics also has an opposition questioning about its food safety and implementation effects on our environment. But, there are many proofs that are being scientifically established and many genetically modified plants are already being cultivated all over the world today.
History
Genetically modified plants were first produced in the year 1982. It was tobacco plants made resistant to antibiotics. Later in 1986 genetically modified plants were field tested in France and United states of America and the plants were modified to be resistant to herbicides. Republic of China was the first country in world to approve a genetically modified plant for commercial purpose in the year 1992. For some reasons, it was later withdrawn from the market in 1997.In the United states, it was this genetically modified tomato called as "Flavrsavr tomato" that was first to be approved for sale in 1994. This tomato had a longer shelf life than normal. In Europe, it was the Tobacco plant that was genetically modified and commercially approved for sale in 1994. Environmental protection agency approved the first genetically modified potato in 1995, which was first pesticide producing crop. Later years have seen cotton, canola, corn and many other plants that were successfully genetically modified and planted globally.
Types of Genetic modifications
Transgenic: Transgenic type is one where the DNA extracted from a different species is inserted into the Target plant. This DNA extracted could be from the same kingdom like another plant or another Kingdom like bacteria. And in most of the cases the DNA has to be modified to a certain level to effectively express in the host plant. Many traits have been achieved like herbicide resistance, antibodies resistance, antigens for vaccines, etc. some Transgenic plants are also used in making cure for some diseases. There are also researches on making Transgenic plants with bioluminescence properties. This on reality one day could replace electric lights.
Cisgenic: Cisgenic is the type where the genes inserted in host plants taken from a closely related plant or of same species. Breeders suggest that the cisgenic type is suitable where it is difficult for the plants to cross breed. Eg.potato. Cisgenic plants have less legal conditioning than other gene modified organisms.
Subgenic: This method does not involve adding a gene strain to the host. Instead, the genes were causing a certain undesirable condition is removed. Recently certain Chinese researchers have removed the genes from the wheat plant that causes the mildew disease. Field trials are yet to happen.Typically, Gene modifications of plants are intended to improve the quality of the supply to us humans. Be it adding or removing gene strains from a host. But it should be scientifically ethical.
The role of Trivedi Effect® in genetically modified plants
The Trivedi Effect® plays a vital role in bringing about genetically modified plants naturally. This natural method of transformation has paved way for a great increase in the production and quality of plants and crops. To know more about how the Trivedi Effect® paves way for genetically modified plants.