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Did you know the next strawberry you bite into may contain genes
extracted from insects or even fish? Through the implementation
of genetic engineering techniques, Antifreeze Protein (AFP) genes
have the potential to transform the agricultural industry by extending
the growing season in cold climate zones that traditionally have
short growing seasons. The diverse climates of the world have varied
and at times profoundly detrimental consequences on the growth and
developmental processes of plants. Genetic engineering in agriculture
encompasses the manipulation of genes at the molecular level, and
may be used to benefit plants most susceptible to damage from cold
weather. AFP genes, located in arctic fish such as winter flounder
and the pyrochroid beetle Dendroides canadensis, have demonstrated
evidence of improving the cold tolerance. For example, the exposure
of plant tissues to (beetle) antifreeze proteins has revealed novel
properties in which plant cold hardiness may be enhanced (Huang,
T., et al., 2000).
The mechanism of action of AFP genes is characterized by depressing
the freezing temperature in the organisms in with they are expressed.
Through transformation a defined sequence of DNA, containing the
AFP gene, may be integrated into the plant genome to construct transgenic
plants. The vector commonly used in the transfer of the AFP genes
to the plant is the bacterium Agrobacteria tumefaciens, genetically
manipulated to contain AFP genes. Plants can be transformed through
vacuum infiltration prior to seed formation. This facilitates the
possible incorporation of the AFP gene into the F1 generation seeds.
Transformation success rates can be determined by testing for antibiotic
resistance which is often encoded on the same plasmid where the
AFP gene is inserted.
Future implications of creating transgenic plants with improved
cold tolerance include the potential to extend the growing season,
and the production of greater quantities of food, thus alleviating
global hunger.
References:
Huang T., Wisniewski, M., Zarka, G., Thomashow, M., Duman, J., (2000)
Cryo Letters 21 (3) pp. 195
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