TRANSGENIC PLANTS

• GMO's
• genetically engineered through recombinant DNA techniques to produce desired traits in plants
• creates new varieties of plants
• modified to become resistant to disease and pests

Quiz Time!

However..

This method gives no control over which location the gene is inserted and how many copies of the genes are introduced.

This method may also destroy a functional gene if the new gene is introduced into a functional gene.

Q1. Define transgenic plants

Ti Plasmid Method

Biolistic method (Gene gun method)

• The naturally occurring bacterium, Agrobacterium tumefaciens, is known for its ability to infect plants with a tumor-inducing (Ti) plasmid.
• The T-DNA merges with the plant genome leading to uncontrolled cell growth.
• This then causes a swollen growth on the plant, resulting in a tumor.
• The T-DNA of the Ti plasmid has been altered so that tumor does not form but the integration of DNA into the plant genome still occurs.
• Tumor-promoting genes are removed from the T-DNA and replaced with a genes of interest and/or a selection marker

• plant cells are bombarded with tiny particles of gold or platinum that are coated with DNA
• occurs at a high speed to allow penetration through the cell wall
• cells that take up desirable DNA are identified by a marker gene and are further on replicated or cloned.
• most useful for inserting genes into plant cells such as pesticide or herbicide resistance

Table of Contents

Methods of Introducing New DNA

• Introduction to Transgenic Plants
• How it works
• Applications
• Game Quiz

Q2. Give 2 examples of transgenic plants

Two major techniques for producing transgenic plants:

1. Biolistic Method

2. Ti plasmid method

Q3. List the two techniques of producing Transgenic plants

TRANSGENIC PLANTS

Examples of Transgenic Plants

What are Transgenic Plants?

• Soybeans
• Corn
• Canola
• Squash
• Sugar beets
• Flax
• Potatoes

Q4. Briefly describe one of the two techniques

Example:

Golden Rice

Transgenic Plant growth

Benefits

• increased crop yields
• reduction in harvesting cost
• less pesticide use
• enhanced nutritional value
• greater food quality
• slower spoilage

Q5. List 3 benefits of genetically modifying plants

By: Shaista Malik

Moiza Shabir

Aziza Ali

Q6. What are the two potential types of gene transfer?

Controversy surrounding transgenic plants

There are two main arguments concerning transgenic plants:

1.The first one discusses if it is safe for human consumption?

2. Whether genetically modified crops have a negative impact on the environment.

Safety issues

• It might introduce new toxins, allergens, or have other secondary effects.
• No adverse reactions have been reported yet
• Some people believe sufficient time has passed for the long-term effects to show.

• Biotech companies oppose to the idea of mandatory labelling because of time consumed , manpower and finances.
• However, it causes consumers to distrust and it demonstrates unethical motives.

Environmental Impact

The main concern regarding environmental impact is that gene would undergo gene transfer.

There are two types of potential gene transfer:

• The first one, horizontal gene transfer occurs when an introduced gene transfers from the plant ingested into the bacterial cells of the body.
• If it occurs, the bacteria become resistant to a certain antibiotic and therefore result in potential health concern.

Enviromental Impact

The second type of gene transfer, vertical gene transfer, involves the transfer of gene or trait into the genomes of the natural or wild versions of the same crops.

The second environmental concern is that the genetically modified plant could potentially harm non-target organism. e.g Bt corn

References

Summary

• Transgenic Plants are also known as GMO's and are created through processes of DNA recombination and have many benefits to farmers and consumers

• The two major techniques by which transgenic plants are produced:

1. Biolistic (gene gun) method

2. Ti plasmid method

Christou, Paul; McCabe, Dennis. Particle Gun Transformation of Crop Plants Using Electric Discharge (ACCELL™ Technology). Agracetus Inc., Middleton, WI; 1992.

F. B. Peairs, “Bt Corn: Health and the Environment,” Production, no. 0.707 (Colorado State University Extension, August 2010). Alejandro E. Segarra and Jean M. Rawson, “StarLink Corn Controversy: Background,” CRS Report for Congress, updated January 10, 2001.

978-007106011-0

Biology 12. Toronto: McGraw-Hill Ryerson, 2011. Print.

• Even though there is a lot of controversy regarding transgenic modification, however it has indeed become a way of life in the world of biotechnology, and the techniques involved are becoming more specific and effective every day.