Genetically Modified Crops with Mini-Chromosomes

by Dr. Hsien-Hsien Lei
Posted May 24, 2007 in Genetically Modified Foods and Organisms

If anything mini is cute, do mini-chromosomes qualify? Monsanto, the (infamous?) agricultural company that has developed a number of genetically modified (GM) seeds including Roundup Ready soybean, has teamed up with Chromatin, a start-up that has bioengineered mini-chromosomes containing genes for multiple traits. The mini-chromosomes are modeled on the target crop’s existing chromosomes with the key component being centromeres which “provide stability and ensure inheritance of the mini-chromosome and the added traits that confer the desired product benefits.” Chromatin’s proprietary gene-stacking technology can be used to produce genetically modified corn, cotton, soybeans, and canola.

Gene-stacking technology is especially important considering all the various modifications that are made in the name of improving crops. Drugs, biomaterials, textiles, and “nutritionally improved foods” can all be produced more quickly and at less cost using crops that are modified a batch of genes at a time. Also, crops like Roundup Ready are often engineered to tolerate herbicides as well as resist pests and diseases. And, given our expectations for having a selection of fresh fruits and vegetables year-round regardless of nature’s growing season, mini-chromosomes can also be used to manipulate a plant’s life cycle.

Pretty powerful abilities for such cute-sounding chromosomes.

Chicago Tribune, May 23, 2007

Tags: chromatin, monsanto, roundup ready, genetically modified, gm seeds, agriculture, genetics, genes, dna, gene stacking technology

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