In their work, the researchers deciphered the order of the DNA bases of 85% of the rice genome. In this DNA sequence are the genetic instructions that determine the rice's properties, from its shape to its mineral and vitamin content.
Geneticists working for "Monsanto", the giant American biotechnology company, announced yesterday that they had succeeded in deciphering most of the genetic code of rice. According to biologists, when the complete genetic code of rice is deciphered - a main component in the diet of about half of the world's inhabitants - it will be possible to improve its nutritional value, and develop more resistant rice varieties.
In their work, the researchers deciphered the order of the DNA bases of 85% of the rice genome. In this DNA sequence are the genetic instructions that determine the rice's properties, from its shape to its mineral and vitamin content.
The researchers from the University of Washington in Seattle, whose research was funded by Monsanto, said that the stage they are now in is equivalent to "an encyclopedia containing instructions for creating a life form, with several missing words or spelling errors".
"This is the first time that almost the entire genome of a plant that is an agricultural crop has been deciphered. About half of the world's population depends on it for food," says Prof. Yossi Hirschberg, director of the Department of Genetics at the Hebrew University. He adds that deciphering the rice genome is very important, also because its genome is very similar to that of other grains, such as corn and wheat, and it is possible to deduce from it their genetics.
Monsanto said that in order to speed up the completion of the rice genome decoding, it intends to transfer its data to the database of the Public Rice Genome Project - which is managed by scientists from different countries, and the information in which is accessible to the public. Last week only 1% of the genome was in the database. Monsanto did not say when it would transfer the data to the database, but clarified that it intends to register several patents on new genes discovered in the research.
Monsanto's announcement came two days after it was published that for the first time since 96, American farmers are expected to allocate fewer dunams to genetically engineered crops this year. This is probably due to the growing resistance to this type of crops in Europe and the USA. Monsanto is the main producer of the genetically modified crops, and has become a target in the fight of green organizations, who claim that the crops may harm the environment.
Monsanto chose to make the announcement about decoding most of the rice genome in China, where 200.7 million tons of rice were produced last year, out of the 526.8 million tons produced worldwide.
{Appeared in Haaretz newspaper, 5/4/2000{
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