EOLSS - CHARACTERIZATION OF BIODIVERSITY
Table 7. A selection of genetically modified living organisms.
Modified organisms |
Source or property of added gene |
New features in GMO |
Scale of field use |
Soya |
Gene from Salmonella bacteria for enzyme EPSP (enolpyruvyl shikimate phosphate synthase) insensitive to glyphosate. |
EPSP is essential for amino acid synthesis but inhibited by glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup herbicide. New enzymes confer herbicide resistance by disabling inhibition. |
Major commercial significance in USA. |
Maize |
Gene for protein toxins (Cry 1Ac and Cry 2Aa) from Bacillus thuringiensis inserted by Agrobacterium Ti-plasmid. |
Toxins confer insect resistance on host plants, e.g. to Stem Borer in maize. |
Major commercial significance in USA. |
Tomato |
DNA modified to inhibit production of enzyme polygalacturonase (PG) responsible for plant cell wall breakdown. |
Fruit life prolonged by slowing natural softening and ripening, without interrupting development of desirable flavour and colour. |
Sold since 1995 in Canada, Mexico and USA. Cleared for sale in UK in 1996 but withdrawn by 1999 due to consumer pressure. |
Rice japponica variety T309 |
Two genes from a daffodil and one from a bacterium. |
Develop a variety of rice rich in beta-carotene, which is most common source for Vitamin A. |
Trials, much interest in developing countries in Asia. |
Oilseed Rape |
Gene for enzyme thio-esterase from bay laurel. |
Increases level of lauric acid in oil by inhibiting synthesis of longer-chain fatty acids. |
Important in detergent manufacture. |
Atlantic Salmon |
Gene from other fishes (flounder or ocean pout) prolongs period of hormone secretion. |
Increased growth rate. |
Research project in USA, other work in Canada, New Zealand, Scotland. |
Source: Global Biodiversity Outlook