Developing Bioluminescent Forests Using CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58445/rars.755Keywords:
Gene Editing, Bioluminescent, biology, Genetic Variation, gene therapy, genesAbstract
CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology enables the introduction of bioluminescent proteins from marine organisms into trees and plants to create glowing forests and vegetation (Andersson et al., 2017). Successful expression of luciferase or fluorescent proteins in plants could generate visually striking landscapes not previously seen in nature (Kratz et al., 2018). However, there are challenges that need to be addressed, including optimizing CRISPR for efficient editing in plant cells, regulating tissue-specific transgene expression, ensuring genetic stability across generations, and assessing potential ecological impacts of releasing genetically engineered organisms (Evans & Palmer, 2018; Hsu et al., 2014). If these hurdles can be overcome, this technology could have ornamental, commercial, and research applications. The global market for genetically modified ornamental plants has been valued at over $50 million, suggesting applications of glowing trees and foliage (Chandrasekhar et al., 2016). Additionally, bioluminescent reporters could enable non-destructive monitoring of plant gene expression and environmental conditions (Close et al., 2017). But ecological effects on pollinators, herbivores and the food chain would require careful evaluation. With responsible regulation and stewardship, CRISPR-based bioluminescent plants offer intriguing possibilities but also warrant extensive safety assessments before field deployment.
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