Horizontal Gene Transfer Essay, Research Paper
Horizontal Gene Transmission
For centuries, humankind has made improvements to crop plants through selective breeding and hybridization, the controlled pollination of plants. Plant technology is an extension of this traditional plant breeding with one important difference, plant biotechnology allows for the transfer of a greater variety of genetic information in a more precise controlled manner. Since introduction of plant biotechnology, many farmers have planted millions of acres of biotech corn, cotton, soybeans, fruit, and other crops. While these new varieties have enhanced, crop protection reduced production costs and increased yields, raising concern among some consumers, legislators, and activists.
Many critics of agricultural biotechnology have often been dismissed. Sywanen, a professor of medical microbiology, defends the concerns of biotechnology opponents in his article titled, “In search of a horizontal gene transfer”. The impact of horizontal gene transfer concerns agricultural biotechnology critics who claim that genes inserted into domesticated organisms might be transferred to wild organisms, an example would be the transfer of antibiotic resistance marker genes to soil bacteria. Sywane’s studies of bacterial and plant phylogeny indicate horizontal gene transfer is involved in evolutionary change. A disturbing consequence of horizontal gene transfer in bacteria is the potential for antibiotic resistance, and other traits carried on plasmids to migrate from one type of bacterium to another. There has been evidence suggesting that genomic DNA is transmitted in nature. In bacteria, conjugation is the most likely mechanism responsible for gene transfer. Another research stated that transposon-like elements are likely vehicles for cutting and pasting genomic DNA from one organism to another, and that viruses may be responsible for transmitting genes between eukaryotes. Sywanen argues that some of the gene frequency studies provide weak evidence of the dangers of gene transfer because the gene was already present, so it is far from clear that its presence in genetically engineered plants will add significantly to the existing danger. He states, If horizontal transfer is found out to occur naturally, perhaps the most significant outcome would be the reshaping of our evolutionary paradigms . However Sywanen does argue, If and when experiments prove that horizontal transfer occurs, the implications will be debatable. In such scenario, some vectors might indeed create an unacceptable risk .
Another scientist that is a supporter of plant biotechnology is Jonathan Gressel. His argument is not for limiting biotechnology, but instead for encouraging responsible biotechnology geared to make GMO s safe. Much of his research has to do with herbicide resistant crops. Herbicide use may lead to artificial selection of herbicide resistant weeds due to the reproductive advantage on weeds possessing natural herbicide resistant genes. Encouragement of superweed evolution by artificial selection is not the only argument built against using herbicide resistant crops. Gressel is concerned that transgenic crops may interbreed with nearby weeds . Suggesting transgenic traits can be horizontally transferred to wild relatives of domesticated plants. Gressel criticizes GMO risk analyses that ignore the utility of GE technology designed to prevent gene transfer. He states that gene transfer could be prevented by using tandem constructs, the piggybacking of genes that affect germination by altering seed dormancy, ripening, and dissemination, with genes for the desired trait in the construct. Some other strategies include adding traits that cause dwarfing, inhibit flower production, prevent maturation, or induce pollen sterility. For instance, an antibolting trait will work well to prevent the transmission of genes in biennials such as cabbage. Gressel notes that tandem constructs can also be used for further development of crops carrying traits for insect resistance and enhanced nutritional value.
In the other hand, some groups use evidence of horizontal gene transfer as grounds to protest the continued cultivation of transgenic crops. They argue that wild plant populations are being genetically polluted with traits not normally found in the population, and that may harm wild populations by causing extinction of the species, development of pest resistant plants and loss of economically useful alleles. Several European Governments are banning the use of genetically modified crops to prevent all of these outcomes to occur.
For a conclusion, I feel that the supporters of horizontal gene transfer have the strongest argument. Horizontal gene transfer allows plants breeders to develop crops with specific beneficial traits. Many of these beneficial traits in new plant varieties fight plant pests that can be devastating to crops and others provide quality improvements.
Другие работы по теме:
GeneThe Character Analysis Essay Research Paper GeneThe
Gene-The Character Analysis Essay, Research Paper Gene-The Character Analysis Gene, one of the main characters in the book, has a complex personality with lots of conflicts and a struggle to find himself or, in other words, his own identity. Throughout the book, we come across acts and thoughts of Gene envying Phineas.
A Separate Peace Theme Essay Research Paper
John Knowles, in A Separate Peace, illustrates a young man?s internal struggle to understand adulthood and its realities. This struggle emphasizes a continuos jealous rage inside Gene, which in turn causes him to cripple and kill his ?best? friend. The theme of jealousy is woven carefully throughout the novel in Gene and Finny?s relationship.
Current Research On Duchenne
’s Muscular Dystrophy Essay, Research Paper Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy is the result of a defective gene on the X chromosome. This gene is responsible for production of the muscle protein dystrophin.
Communication Climate Essay Research Paper I have
Communication Climate Essay, Research Paper I have found that the communication climate at the company I have worked for the last seven years is a combination of bureaucratic, human and system theories.
Cohesion With Contrast
– Gene Vs. Finny Essay, Research Paper Although a friendship often implies many similarities, Gene and Finny also appear very different in many aspects of life. Their friendship gives the impression that at some times it was unstable, but overall it was bound to be everlasting. This companionship is a primary example of any real-life friendship of the common person.
Analysis Of Gene And Finnys Relationship Essay
, Research Paper Analysis of Gene and Finnys RelationshipRelationships between friends go though many different stages. In A Separate Peace, by John Knowles, two friends go through various levels of friendship. There are inner conflicts, strengths, weaknesses, and irrevocable differences; within the relationship between the main characters.
Great Pyramid Essay Research Paper The great
Great Pyramid Essay, Research Paper The great pyramid was built during the reign of Khufu, 2nd king of the fourth dynasty (2,720-2,560 BC). It stands on the Giza plateau nearby Cairo and is
A Separate Piece Essay Research Paper Knowles
A Separate Piece Essay, Research Paper Knowles, John. A Seperate Piece. New York: The Macmillan Co.,1959 [196 pages] John Knowles novel A Seperate Piece is about friendship and how important it
Genes Essay Research Paper Genes are the
Genes Essay, Research Paper Genes are the smallest units of heredity. The information from all the genes, taken together, makes up the blueprint or plan for the human body and its functions. A gene is a short segment of DNA which is interpreted by the body as a plan or template for building a specific protein.
Vectors And Projectiles Essay Research Paper After
Vectors And Projectiles Essay, Research Paper After successfully completing the first two videos of the Paul Hewitt series, I have been drawn to this course. The third video of the series reviews the concepts of vectors and projectiles. In this video Paul goes over a lot of previously stated formulas. The ideas of how fast or hoe far an object travels are restated.
Lincoln Essay Research Paper Over the past
Lincoln Essay, Research Paper Over the past few years we?ve seen the glamorous acquisitions and mergers of some of the world?s largest companies. Looking towards consolidating resources, minimizing risk and greater control over the product from inception to marketing, these mergers incorporate both vertical integration and horizontal integration.
Absolute Value Functions Essay Research Paper Absolute
Absolute Value Functions Essay, Research Paper Absolute Value Functions (y=a|x-b|+c) In an absolute value function “a” represents the slope of the equation. The slope is counted up or down, then both left and right thus producing the function’s “V” shape and its symmetry. If a*0 in the equation, then the “V” has and upward direction, but if a*0 then the “V” has a downward direction.
Some Reminders About The Periodic Table Essay
, Research Paper Thanks to Doc Brown of ChemHelp.Net for these great chemistry revision notes. Check out his site for more! The elements are laid out in order of Atomic Number Hydrogen, 1, H, does not readily fit into any group
University Transfer Statement Essay Research Paper Transfer
University Transfer Statement Essay, Research Paper Transfer Statement I believe that the University will offer me a variety of new experiences that I am looking to get out of college life. I don?t believe that I am currently getting out of college all that I should be. I am looking to find a school that is different from where I am, but that will also provide a reputable program.
Earth Rotation Essay Research Paper The Earth
Earth Rotation Essay, Research Paper The Earth is rotating around an axis (called its rotational axis). Some objects rotate about a horizontal axis, like a rolling log. Some objects, such as a
English11 Essay Research Paper Ones greatest enemy
English11 Essay, Research Paper ?One?s greatest enemy is like saying you are your worst enemy?. The book by John Knowls ?A Seprate Peace? to me the statement seems to be true because about ?one?s greatest enemy?. The two people that choose is Finny and Gene because they seem to be the best people to use.
Japanese Economy Essay Research Paper Central in
Japanese Economy Essay, Research Paper Central in the Japanese economy is the family approach. Somebody who joins a company joins a family. And there are families of companies. The three sacred treasures makes this
Part Iv Essay Research Paper Part IVFranklin
Part Iv Essay, Research Paper Part IV Franklin D. Roosevelt once said we have nothing to fear but fear itself . In my mind this means that fear is an emotion that is unnecessary because the only thing to be afraid of is being afraid. Oftentimes people are afraid when there was nothing to really be afraid of. Two examples of this would be paranoia and jealousy.
Islamic Rugs Essay Research Paper Wendy JenkinsAR
Islamic Rugs Essay, Research Paper Wendy JenkinsAR 103 AQuiz #1February 25, 1999Islamic Prayer Rugs Once inside the Mulvane Art Museum, my eyes became fixed upon beautiful rugs that lined the wall. As our tour guide, Frankie Parmen, explained these rugs are used in everyday life of Muslims. They are called Prayer Rugs.
A Separate Peace By John Knowles Essay
?, Research Paper In ?A Separate Peace? by John Knowles, Gene?s jealousy towards Finny leads to Gene feeling negative emotions. Gene?s jealousy towards Finny leads Gene to feel insecure with himself. Not only does Gene?s jealousy lead to insecurity, it also leads Gene to deny many things that have been happening to him.
A Seperate Peace Paper Essay Research Paper
Separate Peace What really happened in the tree? Gene and Finny were very good friends; however, whatever happened in the tree the day the Finny “fell” out, is the actual cause of Gene. In fact, Finny did not fall out of the tree, but Gene had actually pushed him out. Gene had very good reasons to push him out. He pushed him out of jealousy for two things.
Gene And Phineas Essay Research Paper Gene
Gene And Phineas Essay, Research Paper Gene and Phineas Gene and Phineas are two different people. These two teenagers were brought together by the Devon School, a boarding school in New England. Both
Genetherapy Essay Research Paper Gene TherapyGene therapy
Genetherapy Essay, Research Paper Gene Therapy Gene therapy is the use of genes and the techniques of genetic engineering in the treatment of a genetic disorder or chronic disease. There are many techniques of gene therapy. The two basic methods are called in vivo and ex vivo gene therapy. The in vivo method inserts genetically altered genes directly into the patient; the ex vivo method removes tissue from the patient, extracts the cells in question, and genetically alters them before returning them to the patient.
Evolution Essay Research Paper 1a The
Evolution Essay, Research Paper 1)a. The first stated that sedimentary rocks are laid down in a horizontal manner, and the second stated that younger rock units were deposited on top of older rock units.
Retail Trade Essay Research Paper Write a
Retail Trade Essay, Research Paper Write a structure-performance study of the retail trade industry Paper should include the ff structure 1 Introduction. In this section you give an overview of the industry, its size, growth over the past 10-20 yrs, its important to the economy and other significant factors. 1-2 pages
A Seperate Peace Essay Research Paper A
A Seperate Peace Essay, Research Paper A Separate Peace A Separate Peace written by John Knowles tells the story of two friends in their quest through school, war, friendships, and death. As the story moves on, so does Gene’s and Finny’s friendship. It goes through many changes as the characters themselves change.
Characterizing Gene Essay Research Paper Gene is
Characterizing Gene Essay, Research Paper Gene is a prime example of the typical Devon School pupil. He s a good student, and most likely of a relatively wealthy background. Physically, Gene is sixteen years old. He s five feet, eight and one half inches tall and weighs one hundred forty pounds. And while walking, Gene is often breaking into West Point stride [page 11].
Wind Power Essay Research Paper For many
Wind Power Essay, Research Paper For many centuries wind has been used as a reliable source of energy. It is clean and inexhaustible. Wind is used to make the job of a human simpliar. It is used for grinding grain, pumping water, and to enable sail boats to move. Though often the amount of wind power varies depending on the climate of an area.
Gene Mutation Essay Research Paper Define Gene
Gene Mutation Essay, Research Paper Define Gene Mutation A change in the base sequence of a gene Outline the difference between an insertion and a deletion Explain the consequence of a base substitution mutation in relation to the
Gene Therapy Essay Research Paper What is
Gene Therapy Essay, Research Paper What is Gene Therapy? What types of gene therapies cure genetic diseases? Many diseases seen today are the result of a defective gene in the DNA of thepatient and cannot be cured using the traditional methods such as antibiotics and antiviral medication. The victims are now looking to gene therapy as a potential cure for their problems.