Viruses at the service of science: gene silencing and expression in plants
Keywords:
Virus, VOX, VIGSAbstract
For centuries, we observed plants from the outside only, based on their physical properties, and fruit yield. Today, biotechnology opens an inner window with the help of an unexpected ally: domesticated plant viruses, so-called “viral vectors”. Due to their ability to reproduce massively these vectors allow scientists to produce huge amounts of protein, or the temporal silencing of specific genes. With this, scientist can learn what genes do, or make a lot of protein for vaccines and medicine. Recent discoveries have also allowed these viral vectors to do precision gene editing.
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