Scientists cross pigs with spinach

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BBC News | ASIA-PACIFIC | Scientists cross pigs with spinach

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday, 24 January, 2002, 22:23 GMT

Scientists cross pigs with spinach

 

 

The GM pigs produced less fat than normal

 

Scientists in Japan say they have successfully implanted vegetable genes

in a living animal for the first time.

Researchers at Kinki University near Osaka inserted spinach genes into a

pig, which they say will produce healthier pork.

 

 

 

I hope safety tests will be conducted to make people feel like

eating (the GM pork) for the sake of their health

 

Akira Iritani, research leader

The experiment, which began several years ago, has yielded two generations

of pigs with the spinach gene, known as FAD2.

 

Research team leader Akira Iritani said the pigs with the spinach gene had

produced less fat than normal.

 

" It is confirmed for the first time in the world that a plant gene is

functioning properly in a living mammal, not in a cultured cell, " said Professor

Iritani.

 

Safety issues

 

The experiment involved inserting the spinach gene into a fertilised pig

egg, which was then implanted in a female pig's womb to produce genetically

modified piglets.

 

 

 

A spinach gene was implanted into a sow

 

 

The FAD2 gene was found to convert about a fifth of the piglets' saturated

fatty acids into healthier linoleic acids.

 

Professor Iritani said he hoped to prove the genetically modified pork was

safe to eat.

 

" I know genetically-modified food has met poor public acceptance, but I

hope safety tests will be conducted to make people feel like eating (the GM

pork) for the sake of their health, " he said.

 

Professor Iritani said only about 1% of GM piglets survived after being

born, although breeding among GM pigs would ensure the spinach gene was passed

on.