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don't cry for me Caucus carota



Genes from enzyme from human tears , lysozyme, has been used to modify the
carrot to protect against disease. Tears are a first line of defense
against
pathogens. The impact of high human lysozyme in the diet of humans and
animals
has not been studied. Provided that the protein is not an allergen it may
effect the gut flora particularly of those who take acid control drugs
or drink
milk which buffers stomach acid following ingestion.
The problem of labeling such foods in the market is severe in North
America.
Possibly, it may be wise to watch for spuds with tears in their eyes.


Plant Science
Volume 153, Issue 2, 25 April 2000, Pages 135-14
Transgenic carrots with enhanced resistance against two major pathogens,
Erysiphe heraclei and Alternaria dauci

Miyuki Takaichi and Kenji Oeda,

Abstract
In vitro assay indicated that the human lysozyme has lytic activity against
phytopathogenic fungi and bacteria. A human lysozyme gene was placed under
control of the constitutive CaMV 35S promoter and the resulting expression
plasmid was introduced into two cultivars (cv.) of carrot, Kurodagosun
(K5) and
Nantes Scarlet (NS), by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated method. Seven
and
fourteen transgenic plants of cv. K5 and cv. NS were regenerated,
respectively,
and the obtained transgenic carrots of T0 generation was tested for disease
resistance against Erysiphe heraclei, a pathogenic fungi causing powdery
mildew. Among the tested lines, the transgenic plant No. 12-1 and 8-1 of
cv. NS
showed a fairly strong resistance against E. heraclei. The strong disease
resistance was also confirmed in T1 generation. Disease resistance against
another pathogen of leaf blight, Alternaria dauci, were also tested
using T1
transgenic lines. Significant enhanced resistance was observed in the
No. 12-1
of cv. NS. Accumulation of synthesized human lysozyme protein was
observed in
this line, a finding consistent with observed disease resistance.

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