Genetic Information Can Transfer from Plant to Plant
February 3, 2012| |
Scientist Ralph Bock from the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology discovered that a transfer of entire chloroplasts or parts of their genomes can occur between plants that are in close proximity. The new chloroplast genome can even be handed down to the next generation and thus give plant new characteristics.
The transfer of genes without sexual reproduction is called horizontal gene transfer (HGT) which was believed to be exhibited only by prokaryotes. In the previous study of Bock and colleagues, they discovered that HGT was possible in plants of the same species. However, in their latest experiment, they discovered further that sexually incompatible species could also exhibit HGT.
"As of now, we do not know how chloroplasts manage to get from one cell to the other," said Bock. "But the decisive point is that it happens and the discovery of this process offers a new explanation for important evolutionary processes and opens up new possibilities for plant breeders."
Read the complete article at http://www-en.mpimp-golm.mpg.de/pdf/pm/PM-2012-01-31E.pdf.
| |
Biotech Updates is a weekly newsletter of ISAAA, a not-for-profit organization. It is distributed for free to over 22,000 subscribers worldwide to inform them about the key developments in biosciences, especially in biotechnology. Your support will help us in our mission to feed the world with knowledge. You can help by donating as little as $10.
-
See more articles:
-
News from Around the World
- New Vision for Agriculture Outlined in Report
- Scientists to Collaborate on Improving Durum Wheat
- Strategies to Realize Rice Potential of Africa Unveiled
- Obokoh Appointed as New Head of AfricaBio
- Brazil Boom in Agricultural Production
- TwinLink® Cotton Technology Receives Full Authorization in the U.S.
- Corn Gene Helps Fight Multiple Leaf Diseases
- Pioneer Hi-Bred Releases 17 New Products for Drought-Stressed Environments
- Science Reference Center Launched
- Promising Results of GM Barley Trial in Australia
- CCRA Reviews Impacts of Climate Change in UK
- Genetic Information Can Transfer from Plant to Plant
- JIC Scientist Investigates Wheat's Flowering Time to Combat Climate Change
- Purple Sprouting Broccoli Nominated in Innovation Award
-
Research Highlights
- Scientists Use Secondary Traits and Selection Indices for Dev't of Drought Tolerant Maize
- Camelina Mutants Exhibit Resistance to Inhibitor Herbicides
- MtPAR Regulates Proanthocyanidin Biosynthesis in Medicago truncatula
-
Beyond Crop Biotech
- IFR Scientists Investigate Genes Involved in Virulence of Salmonella
- Purdue Scientists Explore New Ways to Control Disease-Carrying Insects
- Results of Protein Study to Help Fight Superbugs
- Scientists Use Plants to Silence Genes in Insects
-
Announcements
- 2012 International Conference of GM Crops in Egypt
- GMOs Safety and Post Marketing Monitoring Conference in Austria
- Symposium on Biosafety of GMOs
-
Resources
- TT2011 Meeting Report
-
Read the latest: - Biotech Updates (November 27, 2024)
- Gene Editing Supplement (November 27, 2024)
- Gene Drive Supplement (February 22, 2023)
-
Subscribe to BU: - Share
- Tweet