First use genetic modification technology to change the color of flowers

To change the color of flowers, natural mothers take about 850 years to perform, but CRISPR / Cas9 only performed in less than a year.

The modified flower is a Japanese purple convolvulus. It is worth noting that the researchers only changed the color of the flowers without affecting the rest of the plants. This is also the first time that CRISPR / Cas9 technology has been used to change the color of flowers in plants.

Although many people fear that CRISPR can be abused for unhealthy purposes, it actually has many benefits for the scientific community. In the past, we have seen its features as used to correct disease-causing genes in animals. However, people are still debating the possibility of using it on humans due to moral issues.

Currently, research groups across Japan have argued that CRISPR / Cas9 technology will make a huge difference in research and application in plants.

Flower species participate in genetic modification experiments.(Photo: CC BY-NC 2.0).

The purple flower baffle is one of the two plant species studied in the Japan National Biological Resources Project, so the scientists are very knowledgeable about its genetic code and already have DNA designs available. . This is also the reason why this flower was chosen to perform experiments.

The team identified the gene dihydroflavonol-4-reductase-B (DFR-B), which is responsible for the color of plants. However, besides DFR-B, there are two other genes, so the challenge for researchers is how to use CRISPR / Cas9 to remove DNA strands of DFR-B without affecting the rest. back of the tree.

Enzymes produced by DFR-B function to produce anthocyanin color pigments (the largest water-soluble organic color compound in plants. They belong to the flavonoid group, red, purple, purple). and dark blue, often found in fruits, vegetables, flowers and herbs. Therefore, the researchers disabled pigments to change the color of white flowers.

Approximately 75% of plant embryos after treatment have caused the flowering plants to be more white than purple. Further analysis of neighboring genes shows that no mutations have occurred, a testament to the CRISPR / Cas9 accuracy.

This study has consequences far beyond helping you choose the favorite flower colors for indoor decoration. Because some of the next generations of plants - which produce white flowers - show no signs of being tampered with DNA.

Genetic editing technology is both interesting and worrisome.(Photo: Internet).

This raises many interesting questions about the possibility that this method of genetic modification can permanently alter the nature of the modified, regardless of whether our intention is good or bad.

Even so, scientists are still promoting their research to prove the accuracy and potential benefits of CRISPR / Cas9.

Purple flower convolvulus was introduced into Japan in the 8th century BC, but it was only in the 17th century that the flowers 'versions' were white because of the genetic mutation. To change the color of the flower, the natural mother took about 850 years but CRISPR / Cas9 only performed in less than 12 months - this is both interesting and worrisome.

The successful results of this study will facilitate the change of color and shape of decorative flowers and vegetables.