A few days ago, I visited a plant nursery where I saw various types of plants that looked a little different than they normally do, such as a color gradient scheme in flowers and two fruits on one plant, and so on...., I wondered why not we discuss the plant world. So, let's dive in!!
So, what are GM plants?
Genetic modification (GM) is a technological process that entails the insertion of DNA into an organism's genome. The creation of a genetically modified (GM) plant involves transferring new DNA into plant cells. These cells are typically nurtured in tissue culture, allowing them to grow into fully developed plants. Consequently, the seeds produced by these plants will carry the newly integrated DNA, enabling the inheritance of the modified traits.
The characteristics of living organisms are shaped by their genetic makeup and their interplay with the environment. This genetic blueprint, known as the genome, is composed of DNA in all plants and animals. Within the genome, genes are specific regions of DNA that typically provide the instructions for synthesizing proteins. These proteins play a crucial role in defining the traits of an organism. For instance, the vibrant colors of flowers are influenced by genes that encode the proteins responsible for producing the pigments that give petals their distinctive hues.
What's the mechanism for these modifications?
The initial step in the creation of a genetically modified (GM) plant involves the transfer of DNA into a plant cell. One common method for this transfer is to coat small metal particles with the desired DNA fragment and then bombard these particles into the plant cells.
Another widely used technique involves utilizing a bacterium or virus. Certain viruses and bacteria naturally transfer their DNA into host cells as part of their life cycle. The bacterium most commonly employed for GM plants is Agrobacterium tumefaciens. In this method, the gene of interest is integrated into the bacterium, which subsequently transfers the new DNA into the plant cell's genome. The plant cells that successfully uptake this DNA are then cultivated to produce a new plant. This is feasible due to the remarkable capability of individual plant cells to regenerate into whole plants.
Occasionally, DNA transfer can occur without human intervention. A notable example is the sweet potato, which contains DNA sequences that were transferred from Agrobacterium bacteria thousands of years ago, illustrating a natural form of genetic modification.
I hope this gives you a perfect starter for our GM journey. In the next blog, we'll dive into its pros and cons till then, stay tuned ☺️
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