Scientists are genetically
modifying strawberries in order to let them to resist freezing temperatures
better. They are doing it by artificial transfer of genes from a species of
fish called the Arctic Flounder Fish. The Arctic Flounder Fish produces an
anti-freeze that permits it to protect himself in freezing waters. They’re
isolated the gene that creates this anti-freeze and introduced it to the
strawberry. The result is a strawberry that looks blue and doesn't turn to mush
or degrade after being placed in the freezer. Although they are not in
production, research is ongoing.
The question is how did
scientists make it blue and why, aside from the cool factor? When researchers
discovered the Arctic Flounder Fish produces antifreeze to protect itself in
frigid water, they surprised what’d happen if they introduced the gene that
produces the antifreeze in to a strawberry plant. They didn’t set out to make it blue, it just
happened that way. Something else happened, too. They’ve discovered the blue
strawberry plant can withstand freezing temperatures. This is an important
discovery meaning it won’t turn to mush when placed in the freezer. This gives
the idea that strawberries could be stored longer, increasing their shelf life.
We can imagine that it looks
breathtaking, that atomic blue color is quite a novelty and is exceptionally
attractive. But at the same time, would you feel safe eating it? Let us know in
the comments, would you like to eat blue strawberries?
I would eat them.
ReplyDelete