The idea of an edible vaccine is coming closer to becoming a reality
as scientists have found a way to incorporate the protein gene-HIV
antigen in tomatoes. This astounding discovery was confirmed when
scientists found that the protein needed for the vaccine could be
derived from both tomato leaves and the tomato fruit itself.
Tomatoes serve as an ideal candidate for this HIV antigen because
unlike other transgenic plants that carry the protein, tomatoes
are edible and immune to any thermal process, which help retain
its healing capabilities. Even more importantly, tomatoes were found
to grow at a high rate of success in Russia, compared to bananas,
another vaccine producing fruit already used by Western scientists.
Introducing the Protein to the Tomato
Getting the artificial protein gene into the tomato germs was accomplished
with the help of a needle. The next step was to cultivate the germs
on a special nutrient medium. From there, the plants that grew roots
were planted into the soil and grown in the hothouse until they
reached maturity and produced fruit. The plants were then tested
for the protein, which could be found in the leaves and the tomato
plant itself.
Passing on the Health Benefits to the
Next Generation
Scientists took the process one step further by finding out whether
or not the gene could be passed on to future generations of plants.
This testing process consisted of taking the seeds of the transgenic
tomatoes and couching them. This was followed by cultivating a batch
of second generation tomatoes, which were also transgenic and were
found to contain the anti-gene protein.
Advantages of Transgenic Tomato Plants
- A possible edible vaccine against HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B
- Cuts down the likelihood of the passing of infections
- Inexpensive
- Don't need special facilities for storage or transportation
- They taste good
Science
Daily August 19, 2004
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