What is the frankenstein gene and what is its purpose in relation to crops and foods?

The 'Frankenstien' Gene

When I orginally asked this question, I had found this gene referred to as the frankInstien gene on a company's Web Site. I have since learned that it was apparently misspelled and the correct spelling is frankenstien, mainly because that spelling is the one that produced results in an Internet search.

Since I did another search and found the information, I want to share it with everyone.

Apparently, the term refers to any food that is bioengineered to induce a human gene into a crop. That is, scientists use gene splicing to put a human gene into corn or tomatoes or other crops, grow the crop, then people eat those crops. It does not bother some people, but to me it is totally gross, unhealthy, and could have long-lasting affects on our health and our enviroment.

Additional information from a geneticist:

I want to correct some misunderstanding about Frankenstein genes or Frankenstein foods. This is a derogatory term used by non-scientists to refer to genetically modified organisms and the genes that are inserted. One example of a Frankenstein gene is human insulin. This gene is inserted into a specific bacterial cell then the insulin protein is extracted and provided to diabetics. It saves millions of lives and is not gross, unhealthy, or disgusting. Another example is round-up ready corn and soybeans. This does not use a human gene but a bacterial gene. It allows farmers to spray a non-toxic, environmentally friendly, herbicide that saves farmers millions of dollars, seriously reduces harm to the environment, and significantly reduces the health risk to the farm workers.

Some additional info to keep in mind. Humans and plants have at least 50% of their genes in common. We share many biochemical pathways and regulatory mechanisms. A single gene doesn't define us or change who and what we are. Considering a single gene insertion as disgusting or unhealthy is similar to labeling mashed potatoes that have been dyed green with food coloring for St. Patrick's day as disgusting and unhealthy.

First answer by ID0083685295. Last edit by Shannanan. Contributor trust: 0 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 41 [recommend question]