Cisgenesis

Cisgenesis is a method of genetic modification that directly adds additional genes to crops. Unlike transgenesis, the genes added are of the same or closely related species, thereby maintaining the plant's genetic integrity.

Overview

Cisgenesis was developed to overcome the limitations of traditional plant breeding methods. It allows for the introduction of beneficial traits without the need to crossbreed and potentially introduce unwanted traits. The process involves the use of recombinant DNA technology to insert desired genes into the plant's genome.

Process

The process of cisgenesis involves several steps. First, the desired gene is identified and isolated from the donor plant. This gene is then inserted into a vector, typically a plasmid, which is used to transfer the gene into the recipient plant. This is done using a process called Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, where the bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens is used to transfer the gene into the plant. Once the gene is inserted, the plant is grown in a controlled environment to ensure the gene has been successfully incorporated and is functioning correctly.

Applications

Cisgenesis has been used to improve a variety of crops, including apple, potato, and wheat. It has been used to introduce traits such as disease resistance, improved nutritional content, and increased yield. For example, cisgenesis has been used to develop apples resistant to apple scab, a common fungal disease.

Controversy and Regulation

Despite its potential benefits, cisgenesis has been the subject of controversy. Critics argue that it is a form of genetic modification and should be subject to the same regulations as transgenic crops. However, proponents argue that cisgenesis is essentially the same as traditional breeding methods and should not be subject to the same level of regulation.

In the European Union, cisgenic crops are currently regulated in the same way as transgenic crops. However, in 2018, the European Court of Justice ruled that gene-edited crops should not be subject to the same regulations as genetically modified organisms (GMOs), potentially paving the way for less stringent regulation of cisgenic crops in the future.

See Also

• Genetic modification
• Transgenesis
• Plant breeding
• Recombinant DNA
• Agrobacterium tumefaciens