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Archives
March 16-31, 2001
Understanding genes, their effects &
behavior thru molecular bio
by Rita T. dela Cruz
This was the main theme of the presentation
of Dr. Saturnina Halos, senior project development adviser
of the Bureau of Agricultural Research during the recently
held seminar-workshop on Molecular Basis of Life at
the Central Philippine University in Iloilo. Dr. Halos
discussed the concept of molecular biotechnology which
provides a better understanding of genes, their effects
and behavior, and how such knowledge can be used, particularly
in plant breeding. Plant breeding, she elaborated, intends
to augment the farmer's income by increasing crop yield,
improving food or product quality, improving production
and processing, and increasing the marketability of
the produce.
By understanding molecular biotechnology,
Dr. Halos said that several applications in plant breeding
can be fully utilized. Among these include the use of
molecular diagnostics and markers, and the development
of genetically engineered crops, popularly known as
genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Application of Molecular Diagnostics
In her report, Dr, halos emphasized the need for diagnostics,
stating the planting materials need to be clean to ensure
the breeding work can proceed. At present, researchers
have developed methods to detect pathogens in tissues,
one of which is the ELISA technique. This involves procedures
and principles similar to those of detecting diseases
in human beings. Another technique is through DNA-based
diagnostics wherein the presence of a pathogen is detected
by making short single-stranded DNA fragments or a probe
complementary to the short DNA sequence specific to
the species.
Application of Molecular Markers
Molecular markers are DNA sequences that are easy to
detect in plants. In plant breeding, molecular markers
play an important role as tags for desirable traits
to indicate the degree of genetic variation of a species
and to predict the sex of a plant. Conventional processes
of selecting desired offspring n cross breeding would
usually take three months before final results are observed,
but through these markers, the long agony is cut to
a month. Another important use of markers, according
to Dr. Halos, is for identification of variety.
Genetic Engineering as a Breeding Technique
This process is similar to breeding, but the method
is more precise since it allows the transfer of a specific
trait into a known genotype, the genetic makeup of an
organism. Dr. Halos illustrated the technique by transferring
an insect toxin gene from the soil bacterium to a crop
plant, making it resistant to the pest insects.
The process of genetic engineering uses
the recombinant DNA technique, also known as rDNA, which
involves a series of steps wherein a desirable gene
is isolated and linked to a small DNA molecule, the
final spliced DNA product, the rDNA, is then introduced
into a particular cell.
Aside from the different applications,
Dr, Halos also discussed the topic on transgenic crops
and its production techniques. 
March 16-31 2001 Articles: ::
COGENT visits BAR
::
Understanding genes, their effects & behavior thru molecular bio
::
17 NaRDSAF members receive scholarship grants
::
A need for an institution -- SSAC
::
Philippine Mariculture Industry Regulation Criteria proposed
::
BAR launches Plant Genetic Resources Network
::
Roles and functions of RIARCS strengthened
::
BAR prepares for 22nd SOM-AMAF meeting
::
New DOST head speaks in women's seminar
::: More March 2001 articles :::
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