Feeding the World Through Biotechnology
GM crops are produced through the manipulation of genetics. In DNA there is a gene sequence which contains information that determines certain characteristics and traits. Most GM crops are transgenic crops, which are produced through the insertation of DNA.
GM crops are produced through the manipulation of genetics. In DNA there is a gene sequence which contains information that determines certain characteristics and traits. Most GM crops are transgenic crops, which are produced through the insertation of DNA.
Crop Production
Transgenic are created through the technique of recombinant DNA (rDNA). The DNA is then spliced up into the coding portion and placed into its new host plant. The transgenes which are the genes that are inserted, can come from other plants, species, or organisms such as bacteria. (1)
How Transgenic Crops are Produced
Restriction Enzymes
Restriction enzymes are enzymes that splice the DNA molecule at a particuar section. In recombinant DNA technology, restriction enzymes are crucial. Because the production of transgenic crops require recombinant DNA, restriction enzymes are needed. The enzyme will splice the DNA at a specific site and isolate certain genes. Then you will be able to transplant foreign genes from other organisms. With restriction enzymes transgenic crops or genetically modified crops can be produced. (2)
Click on video to learn more about restriction enzymes
Above shows how restriction enzymes work
The Production of Transgenic Crops
Click animation to get a better understanding of how genetically modified cops are made (3.3)
Steps:
1. Take gene from Bt DNA and combine with vector
2. Add vector to bacterium
3. Move bacterica to growth medium
4. Add pieces of plant leaf to bacteria
5. Move plant cell to growth medium for plants
6. Spray herbicide on plant cuttings
7. Transfer plant to growth chamber
8. Now examine plant with desired trait (3.5)
Gene Gun
After using restriction enzymes to cut the DNA, a gene gun is used to transplant foreign genes into the plants DNA. The gene gun is also called the particle acceleration or microprojectile bombardment. The gun uses the method of shooting DNA into the plant cells. (3)
In the picture shows a gene gun being used
Click on animation above to further understand the gene gun