Genetically Modified Organisms

For many years, scientists have selectively bred agricultural crops to make them more useful. In recent years, DNA technology has quickly replaced traditional breeding programs. Genetic engineers have produced many different varieties of genetically modified organisms. GMO's are organisms that have acquired one or more genes by artificial means. A common vector used to introduce new genes into plant cells is a plasmid from the soil bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens called the Ti plasmid. With the help of a restriction enzyme and a DNA ligase, the gene for the desired trait is inserted into a modified version of the plasmid. Then the recombinant plasmid is put into a plant cell, where the DNA carrying the new gene integrates into one of the plant's chromosomes. Finally, the recombinant cell is cultured and grown into a plant. With an estimated one billion people facing malnutrition, GMO crops may be able to help many hungry people by improving food production, shelf life, pest resistance, and the nutritional value of crops. -Biology book pg. 239

 

 

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