Melon is a fruit loved by consumers, it is not only sweet, but also rich in vitamins and minerals, which has a variety of benefits for the human body. However, melons also have a fatal drawback, which is that they are kept for too short a time. Generally speaking, melons can only be stored for a few days after harvest, and if they are not eaten or processed in time, they will deteriorate and rot, causing huge waste.
To solve this problem, researchers at the University of Tsukuba in Japan used an advanced gene-editing technique that successfully extended the shelf life of melons, keeping them fresh and green two weeks after harvest. This technique is CRISPR/Cas9, also known as "gene scissors."
CRISPR/Cas9 is a technique that can precisely modify gene sequences by finding the gene of interest in a cell and cutting it out or replacing it. With this technique, the researchers knocked out CmACO1, a key gene that controls melon's synthetic ethylene. Ethylene is a plant hormone that promotes fruit ripening, but also shortens shelf life. Through gene editing, the researchers successfully inhibited ethylene synthesis and release from melons, thereby delaying the aging process of the fruits.
This study not only demonstrates the application prospect of gene editing technology in agriculture, but also provides new ideas for the conservation and utilization of fruit resources. It is reported that the gene-edited melon has passed the safety assessment of the Japanese government and is expected to be on the market in the next few years.
However, the technology has also raised some controversy and concerns. On the one hand, some people believe that gene editing technology is an intervention and modification of the natural world, which may bring unpredictable risks and consequences. For example, does gene-edited melon affect human health? Will there be an impact on other plants or animals? Will it lead to a loss of biodiversity?
On the other hand, some people believe that gene editing technology is a contribution and enhancement to human well-being, which may bring great benefits and value. For example, does gene-edited melon reduce food waste and loss? Will it improve food security and efficiency? Will it increase farmers' incomes and consumer choice?
In any case, gene editing technology has become one of the most cutting-edge and promising fields in today's scientific community, and it will have a profound impact on human society. What should we think about this technology? How should we take advantage of this technology? How should we regulate this technology? These are all questions we need to think about and answer.
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