Daily Current Affairs : 23-August-2024
A team of researchers from the ICAR-National Rice Research Institute in India and Pennsylvania State University in the U.S. has developed a new, miniature genome-editing tool with significant potential for agricultural advancements. This tool, based on a protein called ISDra2TnpB from the bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans, could revolutionize the way we modify plant genomes to improve crop traits.
What Makes This Tool Special?
The new genome-editing tool stands out because it is much smaller than similar proteins used in traditional genome-editing systems. Here are some key features:
- Size Advantage: The ISDra2TnpB protein is less than half the size of other comparable proteins, making it ideal for editing plant genomes.
- Better Editing Efficiency: This tool shows higher editing efficiency compared to traditional methods, especially in plants where earlier techniques have been less effective.
Successful Testing on Different Plants
The researchers tested this tool on two types of plants:
- Monocots: Such as rice, where the new tool showed good results in modifying the plant genome.
- Dicots: Such as Arabidopsis, where the editing efficiency was somewhat lower but still promising.
Applications for Crop Improvement
This new system offers several possibilities for improving crops in various ways. Some of its potential applications include:
- Base Editing: The tool can precisely change specific genetic bases, allowing researchers to eliminate undesirable traits from plants.
- Transcription Activation: It can activate specific genes, opening the door to introducing beneficial traits.
For example, researchers could use this tool to reduce the height of rice plants, making them more resistant to damage from cyclones and other extreme weather conditions.
Important Points:
- New Genome-Editing Tool: Developed by researchers from ICAR-National Rice Research Institute and Pennsylvania State University, based on the ISDra2TnpB protein from Deinococcus radiodurans.
- Size Advantage: The ISDra2TnpB protein is less than half the size of similar proteins used in traditional genome-editing, making it more suitable for plant genome editing.
- Improved Editing Efficiency: The tool offers better editing efficiency compared to conventional methods, especially in plants where previous tools have been less effective.
- Successful Testing:
- Monocots (Rice): The tool showed positive results in rice, a monocot plant.
- Dicots (Arabidopsis): The tool was less efficient in dicots like Arabidopsis, but still promising.
- Applications for Crop Improvement:
- Base Editing: The tool can precisely modify specific genetic bases, potentially eliminating harmful traits.
- Transcription Activation: It can activate specific genes, allowing for the introduction of beneficial traits.
- Potential for Crop Resilience: The tool can be used to make plants more resilient to extreme weather, like reducing rice plant height to minimize cyclone damage.
- Future Implications: This tool could lead to more resilient crops that are resistant to diseases, pests, and climate change, opening new possibilities for sustainable food production.
Why In News
A team of researchers from the ICAR-National Rice Research Institute in India and Pennsylvania State University in the U.S. has developed a new, miniature genome-editing tool that holds great promise for agricultural applications, offering a more efficient and precise way to modify plant genomes for improved crop traits. This breakthrough could help address global challenges in food security and sustainable farming.
MCQs about New Miniature Genome-Editing Tool for Agriculture
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What is the primary advantage of the new genome-editing tool developed by the researchers?
A. It is cheaper than traditional tools
B. It is smaller and more efficient for editing plant genomes
C. It can edit both animal and plant genomes
D. It works only on monocots
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Which plant types were tested with the new genome-editing tool?
A. Only monocots like rice
B. Only dicots like Arabidopsis
C. Both monocots (rice) and dicots (Arabidopsis)
D. Only genetically modified plants
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What potential application does the new genome-editing tool offer for crop improvement?
A. It can only remove undesirable traits from plants
B. It can introduce beneficial traits and reduce plant height for cyclone resistance
C. It works exclusively for disease-resistant crops
D. It can only improve photosynthesis in plants
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What is a major benefit of the smaller size of the ISDra2TnpB protein used in the new genome-editing tool?
A. It allows the tool to work faster in all plant types
B. It makes the tool more effective at editing monocots only
C. It enhances the tool’s suitability for editing plant genomes, especially in plants where traditional tools are less effective
D. It increases the risk of unintended genetic mutations
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