Suicide Genes and Predictability in GMOs
There are modifications that can be inserted into the genome of an organism to make them more predictable in the environment. These genes are called suicide genes.
To accomplish this, the scientists link what is called a "killing gene" (or suicide gene) to the toxin regulatory system of the organism. When the toxin is absent, meaning the organism completely degraded it, the killing gene is expressed and the organism dies (Ramos, 1993).
 |
This is a picture of a Rhodococcus species.This bacteria is used for the bioremediation of PCB. PCBs, polychlorinated biphenyls, do not break down in the environment and are toxic to microorganisms (Ramos, 1993) |
(Figure courtesy of Umberger, 2002) |
 |
 |
This website was created by
Kevin Saunders, Helen Nguyen, and Chris Wrobleski
as part of an undergraduate assignment at Davidson College.
Send questions or comments to chwrobleski@davidson.edu.
© Copyright 2004 Department of Biology, Davidson College, Davidson, NC 28035.