Biotech Updates

PK on RNA Interference for Crop Improvement

July 18, 2008

RNA interference (RNAi) is a method of silencing gene expression by inserting short sequences of ribonucleic acids (RNA) that match part of the target gene's sequence, thus no proteins are produced. The technology has the potential to become a powerful therapeutic approach toward targeted and personalized medicine. Using RNAi, scientists have developed novel crops such as nicotine-free tobacco, non-allergenic peanuts, decaffeinated coffee and nutrient fortified maize among many others.

Know more about the application of the technology in agriculture in the latest Pocket K entitled "RNAi for Crop Improvement". Pocket Ks are Pockets of Knowledge, packaged information on crop biotechnology products and related issues produced by the Global Knowledge Center on Crop Biotechnology of the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications. Download the material at http://www.isaaa.org/kc/inforesources/publications/pocketk/default.html#Pocket_K_No._34.htm