Transgenic plants: production and use

The issue of genetically modified plants is becoming more and more actual in recent years. Transgenic technologies have their opponents and defenders, but over time the situation does not become clearer. In the article we will talk about what genetically modified plant cultures are, in which their pros and cons will be given transgenic plants with examples.

Relevance of the problem

The population of the planet Earth at the beginning of 2016 was 7.3 billion people and is rapidly increasing to this day. Many peoples on the planet feel a constant shortage of food and water. This is due to the harmful effect of man on nature, as a result of which the fertility of the soil is depleted.

In the 20th century, at least 20% of the fertile territories on the planet were lost. Their area still continues to decrease as a result of biological degradation, desertification of land, flushing of the useful surface, removal of sites for other needs.

The transition to the cultivation of industrial crops for the production of methanol leads to a reduction in the area of cultivated land, which further exacerbates the situation with human nutrition.

Studies of the Ministry of Health of Russia have shown that nutrition of the population is characterized by a decrease in the amount of biologically valuable products. As a result, there is a shortage of proteins, vitamins and other useful elements.

Scientific communities predict an increase in the number of mankind on Earth to 9-11 billion by 2050, therefore it is required to double or even triple the volume of agricultural products around the world. This increase is not feasible without the introduction of transgenic plants that help increase yields and reduce the price of products, as well as containing properties that are not found in plants grown by traditional technology.

The essence of technology

Any living organism has genes that determine all its signs. Complex chains of genes form properties. The very chain is called the genotype (genome).

Previously, new hybrid varieties were obtained as a result of the combination of the parent plants, which changed genes with each other, and new signs were obtained. This process took a lot of time, and the final product did not always meet expectations.

Thanks to the development of new technologies, it became possible to change the plant genotype much faster by introducing the necessary genes. This line of scientific activity has received the name of genetic engineering. Plants with altered genes are called transgenic or genetically modified. Gene engineers create new genotypes. Therefore, it is possible to receive new plants more quickly. Also there was an opportunity of transformation of a genotype with the concrete purpose.

Examples of gene modifications

Genetic engineering helps to introduce genes that are resistant to various harmful factors:

• Herbicidal means.
• Pesticide formulations.
• Phytopathogenic microorganisms.

Genes that increase the maturation period fixing nitrogen are also introduced. It is possible to improve the amino acid protein composition of plants.

The development of the agricultural industry and the planting of the same crops in large areas leads to the multiplication of pests and the transfer of diseases. To combat them, scientists create numerous chemical compounds. Pests gradually adapt to poisons and become stable. The ecological situation worsens: the necessary insects perish, and dangerous chemicals enter the soil.

Genetic engineering offers the creation of genes that produce protection against pests. In tomatoes, the gene that causes rapid decay is removed. Cucumbers are added genes responsible for the formation of sugar, as a result, a sweet cucumber. Purely theoretically, these methods allow the cultivation of ideal plants that yield high yields, are not afraid of parasites and do not fall ill.

This practice has been carried out since 1984. The first transgenic plant was registered in 1983. It was tobacco, in the cellular structures of which introduced extraneous genes. Tests of tobacco in the field were made in 1986 in the United States. And in 1994, in the US, transgenic food was on sale. These were tomatoes with a low maturity and soy. Two years later, a whole list of genetically transformed crops appeared on the market: corn, tomatoes, potatoes, soybeans, rapeseed, radish, zucchini, cotton.

Since then, gene modifications have been applied to all crops, their crops are increasing. This is due to economic benefits. After all, the Colorado beetle destroys vast potato crops, which is why billions of dollars are lost. The solution is transgenic potatoes that are not susceptible to the Colorado potato beetle. You can continue to call transgenic plants with examples. To date, their list is quite extensive. Virtually all crops have received their gene double.

Scientific process

The creation of transgenic plants begins with the introduction of certain genes into plant cells for integration into their chromosomes. The process of introducing foreign genes is simplified if first the cell walls are removed by enzymes: pectinase or cellulase, which leads to the appearance of protoplasts. New genes are introduced into the protoplast structures, after which the cells are cultured under nutrient conditions, then the cells formed are used to restore the plants.

The main task of gene science is transgenic plants, resistant to herbicides and to viruses. To do this, a method of introducing transgenes is used which expresses antibodies against the viral protein inside the cells. The elimination of cultures that are not susceptible to viruses has made it possible to create reliable plant protection against many types of viral plant diseases.

The main methods for obtaining transgenic plants are:

1. Application of agrobacterium. It is the introduction of a special bacterium into the plant genotype.
2. The DNA cannon. In this case, scientists literally "shoot" their DNA in a cage. As a result, such "bullets" are built along with their DNA in the right place.

Positive value

Breeding did not make it possible to obtain plants with a large volume of vitamins. The development of biochemistry provided such an opportunity. For example, "golden rice" with an increased vitamin A content was produced. A strawberry with a high vitamin C content was produced. Soybean was produced in which the amount of vitamin E. five times increased

With the help of plants, various valuable proteins, vaccines, antibodies are produced. With the help of plant systems, recombinant proteins are created on an industrial scale. The first to receive human growth hormone in 1986. Since then, many proteins have been synthesized, among which:

• Avidin (used in molecular biological studies);
• Casein (milk protein used as a food supplement);
• Collagen and elastin (proteins for medicine).

With the help of genetically modified plant organisms, the issues of environmental purification are being addressed. For example, plants are created that are biodegradable. They can help the decomposition of oil and other dangerous substances in vast areas.

To clean water and soil, you can use plants that absorb harmful substances from the environment, especially heavy metals. In such experiments tobacco is the leader, possessing all these abilities.

To perform the purification tasks, the plants are planted in contaminated areas, then they are cleaned and sowed with a new batch of "cleaners". To purify water, such plants should be immersed by the root system in aqueous solutions.

Trends in the industry

The process of obtaining transgenic plants includes several components:

1. Derivation of varieties characterized by high yields.
2. Creation of crops capable of yielding several crops per year. (For example, there is a strawberry that fructifies twice in one summer season.)
3. Production of transgenic plants resistant to insects. (There is a potato that destroys the potato leaf beetle.)
4. Derivation of varieties that overcome any weather conditions.
5. Dilution of plants producing animal proteins. (A brand of tobacco producing human lactoferrin has been introduced in China.)

The use of transgenic plants helps to solve a number of issues, among them: food shortages, agrotechnical complexities, development of pharmacology and many others. Thanks to genetically modified plants, harmful pesticides that exert a detrimental effect on the state of the environment go to the past. Transgenic plants, resistant to insects, is not a fantasy, but a very real phenomenon in the agricultural sector.

Differences between genetically modified and native plants

It is not possible for a common man to distinguish between natural and transgenic plants. This is determined by laboratory tests.

The Ministry of Health of Russia in 2002 obliged manufacturers to label products containing more than five percent of genetically transformed material. But in reality, almost no one puts this marking. Corresponding checks reveal such violations regularly.

To obtain the right to import, receive and sell genetically modified products, there is a state registration, which is a paid procedure. This is extremely unprofitable for food producers.

Marking on the product does not mean that food will harm a person. Meanwhile, many buyers regard it as a dangerous signal.

Genetically modified plants - what are they?

In Russia, all 10 species of transgenic plants have been registered and verified. These include:

• Soybean of two kinds;
• Corn of five varieties;
• Potatoes of two varieties;
• beet;
• Sugar from this beet.

In the West, genetically modified products have stickers, they are littered with store shelves. In Russia, too, many similar products, although there is no corresponding marking on them. However, all these goods are imported from other countries. In Russia, genetically transformed crops are still found only in scientific experiments. Genuine pride for scientists is represented by potatoes, from which potato leaf-eaters are killed.

Environmentalists are against such potatoes. Studies have shown that eating a potato in rats varies the formula of blood, the correlation of the organs of the body, various pathologies arise. However, according to scientists, this is not an excuse to reject the industry as a whole.

Transgenic development is much easier than breeding methods, and sometimes safer. Transgenic products are much cheaper than natural products, so they are in demand in underdeveloped countries. In the future, natural vegetables and meat will become a commodity of small shops with high prices.

Advantages and disadvantages of genetically modified plants

There are two opposing views on the value of transgenic technologies. Some scientists consider the transformation of genotypic data completely safe for the human body and very useful for the development of agriculture. Others believe that the result of such transformations will show itself only after many years.

The appearance of transgenic plants also divided the world in half. Among those who are for - the USA, Canada, Australia, Argentina and many others. Against Europe and many countries with a backward system of agriculture.

The argument against transgenic plants is the belief that such crops will eventually turn into ineradicable weeds or will combine with other plantings, polluting the environment. Of course, this is quite possible.

The situation in the world and in Russia

Genetically modified products are very rare on European shelves. State authorities adopt stringent laws requiring the labeling of such products. There are also norms on DNA. This position of Europe is political and economic.

In Russia, there are no such laws yet. However, there are no laws permitting the planting of genetically modified crops. It is possible to carry out the development of obtaining new varieties, and also allowed to import genetically transformed products from foreign countries. In Russia, transgenic soybean and corn are imported.

Public opinion on the situation with genetically modified goods is formed by media representatives. They inflate scandals and take the side of the enemies of genetically transformed products. Scientific evidence of her safety remains in the background.

Is there any cause for concern?

Any plant that undergoes genetic transformation undergoes mandatory safety checks before obtaining permission for mass application. State agencies investigate environmental and toxicological risks in the cultivation of these crops. No serious dangerous consequences after the use of genetically modified products have so far not been recorded.

Genetic engineering offers quite bright prospects: transgenic plants do not fall ill and do not rot. But do not forget the ancient saying: "Nature does not tolerate emptiness." Where to go to the diseases and pests? Will parasites be left without food and die out? What this will lead to is not yet clear.

According to the opponents of transgenic technologies, genetic engineers commit violence against nature. They, unlike breeders, move any genes in any directions, which will inevitably lead to sad consequences. However, at one time and surgeons were accused for insolence to interfere with the human body, but today the medicine has moved far ahead, and the actions of the doctors do not cause controversy.

Be that as it may, a halt to progress is impossible. Probably, the use of transgenic plants is the near future of the agricultural industry. And the development of genetic engineering will help agriculture to overcome many difficult situations. And new biotechnologies will provide solutions to other problems (food, technological and political).

Now it becomes clear that such a transgenic plant (GMR), to give an example and answer this question will be able to any reader of the article.