How to DIY the simplest transgenic plants

The feature of no discoloration is expected to be welcomed by consumers and catering enterprises, because it will make sliced apples more attractive and

How to DIY the simplest transgenic plants

The feature of no discoloration is expected to be welcomed by consumers and catering enterprises, because it will make sliced apples more attractive and reduce the number of apples discarded due to bumps.

While the whole world is arguing endlessly about genetically modified crops, the US Department of Agriculture has given a green light to a new genetically modified crop. This time it's an apple. From February 2065438 to February 2005, genetically modified apples were approved for commercial planting by the US Department of Agriculture, which means that American farmers can grow this kind of apples freely from now on.

This genetically modified apple is called "Arctic Apple"

Apple) ",which is characterized by its difficulty in" browning ". A document on the website of the US Department of Agriculture explained that "Arctic apples have been genetically modified to reduce the production of substances that cause brown fruits. When these apples are sliced or damaged, they can keep their original color for a longer time without turning brown. Apart from this feature, the "Arctic" apple is no different from other apples.

The principle that genetically modified apples are not easy to "brown" is simple. After an ordinary apple is cut or damaged, if it is left for a period of time, the surface of the wound will undergo oxidation reaction, resulting in brown spots. These brown spots will not significantly affect the taste of apples, but will seriously affect the appearance of food. Due to genetic modification, some genes were inserted into "Arctic" apples, which came from some apple varieties with low levels of polyphenol oxidase (the key enzyme in biochemical reactions leading to browning).

Genetically modified crops have been planted in the United States for more than 20 years, and genetically modified processed ingredients in food have been used for many years, but fresh genetically modified fruits and vegetables that are directly eaten are rare in the American market. Yang Yan, a professor in the Department of Biology and Microbiology at South Dakota State University, once wrote that the fruit and vegetable crops approved for commercial cultivation by the US Department of Agriculture include antiviral papaya, plums, potatoes and melons, insect-resistant sweet corn, and insect-resistant tomatoes with controllable maturity.

Not all these genetically modified fruits and vegetables have been mass-produced. Most of the genetically modified foods Americans eat are processed foods, which contain raw materials made of genetically modified corn. Coupled with genetically modified papaya and sweet corn that have been planted on a large scale before, the new genetically modified apple is expected to become one of the few genetically modified fresh agricultural products in the United States.

Genetically modified apples have been approved for commercial cultivation in the United States, which has not surprisingly attracted controversy. Some consumers and environmental organizations strongly oppose this decision. According to the document released by the US Department of Agriculture in February, the earliest application time for the company to develop "Arctic" brand transgenic apples was 20 10, and the approval decision was actually made in May of 20 14. The New York Times's report quoted relevant companies as saying that political reasons may have delayed the announcement of approval.

A spokesman for the US Department of Agriculture reported that they spent a lot of time analyzing the environmental safety issues related to genetically modified organisms and all the opinions they received. There are two public consultation periods for the approval of genetically modified apple planting, and * * * received more than 175000 opinions, most of which opposed the approval.

However, the United States Department of Agriculture finally lifted the control over the cultivation of genetically modified apples. The statement of the Ministry of Agriculture explained some common problems in detail. "This action is based on the risk assessment of plant pests, which points out that genetically modified apples are unlikely to bring pests and diseases to American agriculture and other plants. Similarly, the completed environmental assessment also conforms to the national environmental policy law and administrative regulations of the United States. If after rigorous scientific review, the Animal and Plant Health and Quarantine Bureau of the US Department of Agriculture has not found that new genetically modified plants pose a potential threat to the risk of plant diseases and insect pests, then it should be deregulated according to its relevant laws and regulations. "

Although the credibility is relatively good, the US Department of Agriculture's doubts about genetically modified apples will obviously not reassure some consumers. However, the developer of the "Arctic" apple, Okanagan, a specialty fruit of Okanagan, Canada

major

Have confidence in the market-apples in American supermarkets are gradually being replaced by washed, sliced and ready-to-eat fruits such as carrots. If apples can be processed into such food without discoloration, it will bring great benefits to the food industry. "If apples work well, you can make Arctic avocados, pears and even lettuce."

Traditional genetically modified crops are mainly for farmers to eat-genetically modified crops can resist pesticides or pests. These advances are also difficult for ordinary consumers to feel. The feature of no discoloration is expected to be welcomed by consumers and catering enterprises, because it will make sliced apples more attractive and reduce the number of apples discarded due to bumps.

Considering the growth cycle of apple trees, transgenic apples will be sold in the United States in the second half of 20 16.