Genetic Engineering :
Journey of a Gene

Here's the Problem

Want the captioned video? Watch Soybean SDS transgene teaching app intro (captioned) from Plant and Soil Sciences eLibrary on Vimeo.

Background: Soybean Sudden Death Syndrome is caused by a soil fungus that attacks the roots of a soybean plant, which eventually leads to yellowing of soybean leaves. You can read more about Soybean Sudden Death Syndrome at cropwatch.unl.edu.

Objective: Learn the steps of genetic engineering to help us make soybeans that are resistant to Soybean Sudden Death Syndrome.

Let’s Get Started

Steps to the Solution

Step 1: Designing the Gene

Matching the right promoter and coding region is essential for obtaining the desired gene expression in the plant.

Step 2: Transformation

The transgene can be delivered to plant cells using Agrobacterium, a natural plant genetic engineer.

Step 3: Breeding

The transgene is bred into the latest and greatest varieties for farmers to grow.

Step 4: DNA Testing

We can be sure the transgene made it into the final product using genetic testing.