Hello. I have an idea. We need gene modify some fruit or vegetable to make it meat. I mean, gene modify this vegetable to make inside it animal protein. In this case we will have cheap meat which we can grow on garden and we wont kill animals. What do you think? Is it possible?

Expert response from Terry Etherton

Department Head, Distinguished Professor of Animal Nutrition, Pennsylvania State University

Friday, 04/12/2015 10:01

The question presented is not doable with today's science. Inserting the number of genes necessary to "recreate" muscle is not feasible for a number of reasons that are very complicated and not easily put in terms that consumers can understand. Inserting all the genes to generate muscle would entail inserting the genes in the fruit genome and maintaining the ability to regulate gene expression and how it changes as muscle "grows". This would include not only genes to make muscle specific proteins but also the myofibrils (muscle cells) that are present in bundles in muscle.  A huge number of other genes would be needed that would encode for all of the myofibril components, the connective tissue found in muscle as well as the adipose tissue (fat or the marbling).  

 

I can't really envision where one would start with this project.  All of the above would need to be done in a way that does not impair fruit or vegetable growth and development, as well.

Expert response from Terry Etherton

Department Head, Distinguished Professor of Animal Nutrition, Pennsylvania State University

Friday, 04/12/2015 10:01

The question presented is not doable with today's science. Inserting the number of genes necessary to "recreate" muscle is not feasible for a number of reasons that are very complicated and not easily put in terms that consumers can understand. Inserting all the genes to generate muscle would entail inserting the genes in the fruit genome and maintaining the ability to regulate gene expression and how it changes as muscle "grows". This would include not only genes to make muscle specific proteins but also the myofibrils (muscle cells) that are present in bundles in muscle.  A huge number of other genes would be needed that would encode for all of the myofibril components, the connective tissue found in muscle as well as the adipose tissue (fat or the marbling).  

 

I can't really envision where one would start with this project.  All of the above would need to be done in a way that does not impair fruit or vegetable growth and development, as well.