Question
Answer
Expert response from Community Manager
Moderator for GMOAnswers.com
Friday, 26/06/2015 13:27
Patrick Walker, associate scientist at BASF Plant Science, thoroughly explains the process by which GMOs are made. Read the full answer here, and an excerpt appears below.
“The transfer of genes can be done in many ways. Today, the most common methodology for producing a genetically modified plant is to place plant cells in a container with a naturally occurring, soil-born bacterium known as Agrobacterium tumefaciens.
“This species of bacteria is capable of taking up foreign genes, such as our drought-resistant genes by simply placing DNA that contains our desired gene(s) in the Agrobacterium. We then sterilize and isolate specific cells from our corn, and place the plant cells in a container with the Agrobacterium under sterile conditions. The Agrobacterium then acts as it would in nature to transfer these “drought genes” into our corn cells. Once the drought genes enter the plant cells, they are incorporated into the genome just as the genes would if two corn plants were pollinated using traditional breeding techniques. Once the Agrobacterium has transferred the desirable genes into the corn cells, we then need to be able to grow those cells into a plant. We do this by practicing a technique called plant tissue culture.
“Plant tissue culture is the practice of growing or maintaining plant cells that have been separated or isolated away from an intact plant. Maybe you have bought cut flowers before. When you buy the flowers you want your bouquet to contain some flowers that are open and some that are closed so your purchase lasts as long as possible. So, when you get them home you put them in a vase with some water and add a packet of ‘plant food’. Over time, the flowers that are open will stay beautiful and the buds that were originally closed will eventually open. Well, in its most basic form you have essentially practiced a form of tissue culture. You provide the plant cells (flowers connected to stems in this case) with light, water and some sort of nutrient in order to extend the beauty (the life) of the flowers in your home.
“You also may have taken a cutting from a plant and placed it in water. Soon the cutting will grow roots and you can then plant it in soil and you have successfully grown a new plant from cells, or a collection of cells (the cutting).
“This concept is no different than what we do in the lab, although, instead of a flower or a house plant we are propagating plants that have been modified with genes that allow them to grow under drought conditions. Instead of using water alone we add the necessary nutrients and ‘solidify’ the water (like Jello) using a naturally occurring substance called agar so that the plant cells don’t drown.
“All of this work is conducted in special cabinets that purify the air so no ambient microorganisms are present. We also use bleach to sterilize the corn ears, just as you would at home to kill germs on your kitchen counter. We need to make certain that the only two organisms present are the Agrobacterium cells and our corn cells. Regardless of the types of materials we are working with, GMO or non-GMO, it is crucial for us to maintain a high standard of cleanliness and tidiness.”
While you read Patrick’s answer, it might be helpful to visualize the process with the following infographic:
Answer
Expert response from Community Manager
Moderator for GMOAnswers.com
Friday, 26/06/2015 13:27
Patrick Walker, associate scientist at BASF Plant Science, thoroughly explains the process by which GMOs are made. Read the full answer here, and an excerpt appears below.
“The transfer of genes can be done in many ways. Today, the most common methodology for producing a genetically modified plant is to place plant cells in a container with a naturally occurring, soil-born bacterium known as Agrobacterium tumefaciens.
“This species of bacteria is capable of taking up foreign genes, such as our drought-resistant genes by simply placing DNA that contains our desired gene(s) in the Agrobacterium. We then sterilize and isolate specific cells from our corn, and place the plant cells in a container with the Agrobacterium under sterile conditions. The Agrobacterium then acts as it would in nature to transfer these “drought genes” into our corn cells. Once the drought genes enter the plant cells, they are incorporated into the genome just as the genes would if two corn plants were pollinated using traditional breeding techniques. Once the Agrobacterium has transferred the desirable genes into the corn cells, we then need to be able to grow those cells into a plant. We do this by practicing a technique called plant tissue culture.
“Plant tissue culture is the practice of growing or maintaining plant cells that have been separated or isolated away from an intact plant. Maybe you have bought cut flowers before. When you buy the flowers you want your bouquet to contain some flowers that are open and some that are closed so your purchase lasts as long as possible. So, when you get them home you put them in a vase with some water and add a packet of ‘plant food’. Over time, the flowers that are open will stay beautiful and the buds that were originally closed will eventually open. Well, in its most basic form you have essentially practiced a form of tissue culture. You provide the plant cells (flowers connected to stems in this case) with light, water and some sort of nutrient in order to extend the beauty (the life) of the flowers in your home.
“You also may have taken a cutting from a plant and placed it in water. Soon the cutting will grow roots and you can then plant it in soil and you have successfully grown a new plant from cells, or a collection of cells (the cutting).
“This concept is no different than what we do in the lab, although, instead of a flower or a house plant we are propagating plants that have been modified with genes that allow them to grow under drought conditions. Instead of using water alone we add the necessary nutrients and ‘solidify’ the water (like Jello) using a naturally occurring substance called agar so that the plant cells don’t drown.
“All of this work is conducted in special cabinets that purify the air so no ambient microorganisms are present. We also use bleach to sterilize the corn ears, just as you would at home to kill germs on your kitchen counter. We need to make certain that the only two organisms present are the Agrobacterium cells and our corn cells. Regardless of the types of materials we are working with, GMO or non-GMO, it is crucial for us to maintain a high standard of cleanliness and tidiness.”
While you read Patrick’s answer, it might be helpful to visualize the process with the following infographic: