The impact of hybrids between genetically modified crop plants and their related species: general considerations

Factors influencing the fate and impact of hybrids between crop plants and their related species operate from the early zygote, through to plant establishment in different habitats, to their ability to form self-sustaining populations. Many of the classes of genes being introduced by modern methods of genetic modification are similar to those manipulated by conventional plant breeding. In assessing the impact of transgenes in hybrids between crops and related species, therefore, it is important to be informed about the consequences of hybridization between conventionally bred varieties and their relatives. Some transgenes will have novel effects (e.g. production of pharmaceutical substances or certain fatty acids) on plants, and are likely to need specific assessment studies to determine their impact on hybrids. This will be particularly important if there is the possibility of these transgenes becoming established in wild populations. Some recommendations for further research are outlined.     

Integrating biotechnology into a non-majors biology curriculum

A general education biology course entitled ‘Biotechnology Transforms Our World’ has been developed to illustrate biological concepts with advances from biotechnology. The contributions of molecular biology to understanding human genetics, evolution, plant and animal (including human) biology and ecology are illustrated with specific case studies. Journal of Industrial Microbiology & Biotechnology (2000) 24, 308–309. Received 02 April 1999/ Accepted in revised form 11 November 1999     

The extraradical proteins of Rhizophagus irregularis: A shotgun proteomics approach

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal fungi (AMF, Glomeromycota) form obligate symbiotic associations with the roots of most terrestrial plants. Our understanding of the molecular mechanisms enabling AMF propagation and AMF-host interaction is currently incomplete. Analysis of AMF proteomes could yield important insights and generate hypotheses on the nature and mechanism of AMF-plant symbiosis. Here, we examined the extraradical mycelium proteomic profile of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Rhizophagus irregularis grown on Ri T-DNA transformed Chicory roots in a root organ culture setting. Our analysis detected 529 different peptides that mapped to 474 translated proteins in the R. irregularis genome. R. irregularis proteome was characterized by a high proportion of proteins (9.9 % of total, 21.4 % of proteins with functional prediction) mediating a wide range of signal transduction processes, e.g. Rho1 and Bmh2, Ca-signaling (calmodulin, and Ca channel protein), mTOR signaling (MAP3K7, and MAPKAP1), and phosphatidate signaling (phospholipase D1/2) proteins, as well as members of the Ras signaling pathway. In addition, the proteome contained an unusually large proportion (53.6 %) of hypothetical proteins, the majority of which (85.8 %) were Glomeromycota-specific. Forty-eight proteins were predicted to be surface/membrane associated, including multiple hypothetical proteins of yet-unrecognized functions. However, no evidence for the overproduction of specific proteins, previously implicated in promoting soil health and aggregation was obtained. Finally, the comparison of R. irregularis proteome to previously published AMF proteomes identified a core set of pathways and processes involved in AMF growth. We conclude that R. irregularis growth on chicory roots requires the activation of a wide range of signal transduction pathways, the secretion of multiple novel hitherto unrecognized Glomeromycota-specific proteins, and the expression of a wide array of surface-membrane associated proteins for cross kingdom cell-to-cell communications.     

Biomedical Enhancements as Justice

Biomedical enhancements, the applications of medical technology to make better those who are neither ill nor deficient, have made great strides in the past few decades. Using Amartya Sen's capability approach as my framework, I argue in this article that far from being simply permissible, we have a prima facie moral obligation to use these new developments for the end goal of promoting social justice. In terms of both range and magnitude, the use of biomedical enhancements will mark a radical advance in how we compensate the most disadvantaged members of society.     

Field response of mycorrhizal and nonmycorrhizal Medicago sativa var. local in the F1 generation

Seeds were collected from plants of Medicago sativa var. local inoculated with Glomus macrocarpum and G. fasciculatum separately in pot experiments. These seeds were sown in garden soil and the percentage germination, general health and yield of subsequent plants (the F1 generation) were studied. The percentage germination was highest in seeds of G. macrocarpum-inoculated parents followed by those inoculated with G. fasciculatum; seeds of uninoculated parent plants showed the lowest germination. Vegetative yield of the progeny decreased in the order of plants inoculated with G. fasciculatum, with G. macrocarpum, and uninoculated. On the other hand, reproductive yield was highest for plants whose parents were inoculated with G. macrocarpum, followed by G. fascicullatum, and lowest for seeds of uninoculated parent plants.     

Protein disulphide isomerase-assisted functionalization of proteinaceous substrates

Protein disulphide isomerase (PDI) is an enzyme that catalyzes thiol-disulphide exchange reactions among a broad spectrum of substrates, including proteins and low-molecular thiols and disulphides. As the first protein-folding catalyst reported, the study of PDI has mainly involved the correct folding of several cysteine-containing proteins. Its application on the functionalization of protein-based materials has not been extensively reported. Herein, we review the applications of PDI on the modification of proteinaceous substrates and discuss its future potential. The mechanism involved in PDI functionalization of fibrous protein substrates is discussed in detail. These approaches allow innovative applications in textile dyeing and finishing, medical textiles, controlled drug delivery systems and hair or skin care products.     

Production of entomopathogenic nematodes in submerged monoxenic culture: A review

Monoxenic liquid culture is the most suitable technology for scaling up to industrial production of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs); however, the variability of the yield production remains a current problem in the process. The aim of this study was to analyze the parameters and criteria for EPN production in liquid culture based on scientific and technological knowledge from the last two decades. While experimental research has permitted the yield production of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (362 × 10³ infective juveniles [IJs]/ml) and Steinernema carpocapsae (252 × 10³ IJs/ml), simultaneously, theoretical approaches have contributed to the understanding of the culture process, based on biological parameters of the bacterium–nematode complex and hydrodynamic and rheological parameters of the complex gas–liquid–solid system. Under this interdisciplinary research approach, bioprocess and biosystem engineering can contribute to design the various control strategies of the process variables, increase the productivity, and reduce the variability that until now distinguishes the in vitro production of EPNs by the liquid culture.     

Subsurface Biofilm Barriers for the Containment and Remediation of Contaminated Groundwater

An engineered microbial biofilm barrier capable of reducing aquifer hydraulic conductivity while simultaneously biodegrading nitrate has been developed and tested at a field-relevant scale. The 22-month demonstration project was conducted at the MSE Technology Applications Inc. test facility in Butte, Montana, which consisted of a 130 ft wide, 180 ft long, 21 ft deep, polyvinylchloride (PVC)-lined test cell, with an initial hydraulic conductivity of 4.2 × 10^-2 cm/s. A flow field was established across the test cell by injecting water upgradient while simultaneously pumping from an effluent well located approximately 82 ft down gradient. A 30 ft wide biofilm barrier was developed along the centerline of the test cell by injecting a starved bacterial inoculum of Pseudomonas fluorescens strain CPC211a, followed by injection of a growth nutrient mixture composed of molasses, nitrate, and other additives. A 99% reduction of average hydraulic conductivity across the barrier was accomplished after three months of weekly or bi-weekly injections of growth nutrient. Reduced hydraulic conductivity was maintained by additional nutrient injections at intervals ranging from three to ten months. After the barrier was in place, a sustained concentration of 100 mg/l nitrate nitrogen, along with a 100 mg/l concentration of conservative (chloride) tracer, was added to the test cell influent over a six-month period. At the test cell effluent the concentration of chloride increased to about 80 mg/l while the effluent nitrate concentration varied between 0.0 and 6.4 mg/l.     

Using education as a public relations tool for biotechnology

The advances in the biotechnology industry, and in biosciences research are impressive by any measure, but it is not sufficient just to continue to make spectacular scientific breakthroughs. It is important that the general public is assisted to keep up with the pace of technological change. Some efforts have been made, but they have not been enough. A public relations strategy is required. The biotechnology industry needs to influence public opinion as well as lead discovery. The aims of a public relations campaign should not be just to inform and convince legislators and regulators, but should target the average consumer of the 21st century. There are two areas where the science community must direct its attention if the international public is to be brought along on this biotechnological odyssey: the compulsory school sector – including teachers, students and policy makers; and key sector groups that can be specifically targeted such as farmers, indigenous peoples, horticulturists, food sector people, health professionals, and in particular, the recently retired. If the potential of biotechnological advances is to be realised, scientists must be proactive in educating the general public. This will also involve educating the educators. No amount of public education will completely remove the opposition to genetic engineering, but with an educated public there is an increased opportunity for a fair debate and scare tactics, half-truths and innuendo will gain less traction.