Transgenic technologies

Pharming as a Source of Genetically Modified Drugs 72 Pharming and Transgenic Technology 74... 

Glufosinate has a broad weed spectrum (little to no selectivity), and is therefore sometimes marketed along with genetically engineered glufosinate-resistant crops (cotton, canola, maize, and rice). While this raises some concern in some parts of the world, transgenic technology has been widely accepted in the western hemisphere. Nevertheless, neither... 

Taylor, N., Chavarriaga, R, Reamakers, K., Siritunga, D. and Zhang, P. (2004) Development and application of transgenic technologies in cassava. Plant Mol. Biol, 56, 671-88. 

As the toxin and allergen are both proteins and have previously been identified and cloned, it is possible to use transgenic technology to block their expression. This approach is being pursued, and has resulted in the development of a transformation system for castor, a plant that had proven to be recalcitrant to transformation and regeneration of intact plants (39). 

Transgenic technology remains a powerful tool for developing a broad range of useful food and industrial oils. To date, attempts to use this technology have been limited to crop input traits, but in the long term, novel crops with altered output traits will fill important niches in the food supply and will help to shift the petroleum economy to renewable resources. 

Lactose intolerance is a distinct entity from cow milk protein sensitivity and causes abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, flatulence, and/or bloating. While avoidance of milk and other dairy products will bring relief in children suffering from lactose intolerance, it may cause problems in optimal bone mineralization owing to lack of calcium in diet. Several lactose-free and lactose-reduced milks are now available in markets to cater to such infants. The scope of transgenic technology to reduce the lactose content in the milk of small animals has been reviewed elsewhere in this chapter (Section IV.A). The extension of this technique to include farm animals is targeted in the future. 

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