Cisgenesis: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 10:57, 15 February 2025

Overview of cisgenesis in genetic engineering

Cisgenesis[edit]

Cisgenesis is a genetic modification technique used in plant breeding where genes are transferred between organisms that could otherwise be conventionally bred. This method involves the introduction of a gene from the same species or a closely related one, ensuring that the gene pool remains within the natural breeding boundaries.

Overview[edit]

Cisgenesis is distinct from transgenesis, where genes from unrelated species are introduced into an organism. In cisgenesis, the transferred gene, known as a cisgene, includes its native promoter, introns, and terminator, maintaining its original regulatory elements. This approach is often considered more acceptable to the public and regulatory bodies because it mimics natural breeding processes more closely than transgenesis.

Applications[edit]

Cisgenesis is primarily used in agriculture to enhance crop traits such as disease resistance, yield, and nutritional content. For example, cisgenic potatoes have been developed to resist late blight, a devastating plant disease caused by the Phytophthora infestans pathogen. By using genes from wild potato relatives, breeders can improve cultivated varieties without introducing foreign DNA.

Advantages[edit]

One of the main advantages of cisgenesis is its potential to speed up the breeding process. Traditional breeding methods can take many years to achieve desired traits, whereas cisgenesis can accomplish this in a much shorter time frame. Additionally, because the genes used are from the same species, there is a reduced risk of unintended effects compared to transgenic approaches.

Challenges[edit]

Despite its advantages, cisgenesis faces several challenges. Regulatory frameworks for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) vary widely, and cisgenic plants may still be subject to the same regulations as transgenic plants in some regions. Public perception and acceptance also play a significant role in the adoption of cisgenic crops.

Related pages[edit]

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-'''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.
+{{Short description|Overview of cisgenesis in genetic engineering}}
-== Overview ==
+==Cisgenesis==
+[[File:Cisgenicpotatoes.JPG|thumb|right|Cisgenic potatoes]]
+'''Cisgenesis''' is a genetic modification technique used in [[plant breeding]] where genes are transferred between organisms that could otherwise be conventionally bred. This method involves the introduction of a gene from the same species or a closely related one, ensuring that the gene pool remains within the natural breeding boundaries.
-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.
+===Overview===
+Cisgenesis is distinct from [[transgenesis]], where genes from unrelated species are introduced into an organism. In cisgenesis, the transferred gene, known as a [[cisgene]], includes its native promoter, introns, and terminator, maintaining its original regulatory elements. This approach is often considered more acceptable to the public and regulatory bodies because it mimics natural breeding processes more closely than transgenesis.
-== Process ==
+===Applications===
+Cisgenesis is primarily used in [[agriculture]] to enhance crop traits such as disease resistance, yield, and nutritional content. For example, cisgenic potatoes have been developed to resist late blight, a devastating plant disease caused by the [[Phytophthora infestans]] pathogen. By using genes from wild potato relatives, breeders can improve cultivated varieties without introducing foreign DNA.
-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.
+===Advantages===
+One of the main advantages of cisgenesis is its potential to speed up the breeding process. Traditional breeding methods can take many years to achieve desired traits, whereas cisgenesis can accomplish this in a much shorter time frame. Additionally, because the genes used are from the same species, there is a reduced risk of unintended effects compared to transgenic approaches.
-== Applications ==
+===Challenges===
+Despite its advantages, cisgenesis faces several challenges. Regulatory frameworks for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) vary widely, and cisgenic plants may still be subject to the same regulations as transgenic plants in some regions. Public perception and acceptance also play a significant role in the adoption of cisgenic crops.
-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.
+==Related pages==
+* [[Genetic engineering]]
-== Controversy and Regulation ==
+* [[Plant breeding]]
-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]]
+* [[Genetically modified organism]]
-* [[Recombinant DNA]]
-* [[Agrobacterium tumefaciens]]
 [[Category:Genetic engineering]]
-[[Category:Biotechnology]]
+[[Category:Plant breeding]]
-[[Category:Agriculture]]
-{{Genetics-stub}}
-{{Agriculture-stub}}