Barton K A, Brill W J
Science. 1983 Feb 11;219(4585):671-82. doi: 10.1126/science.6297007.
The functional expression of a novel gene in a genetically engineered plant has not yet been reported. One major barrier in movement toward this goal is our limited understanding of the molecular bases of gene expression. Attempts to establish genetic engineering as a practical facet of plant breeding are also complicated by the fact that genes for most important plant characteristics have not yet been identified. However, the benefits to be gained from all aspects of plant improvement are stimulating research into both the development of plant transformation technology and the isolation and characterization of genes responsible for valuable traits. As scientists develop greater knowledge of plant molecular genetics, we can expect to see practical applications in such diverse areas as improvement of plant nutritional quality, decreases in fertilization requirements, and increases in resistance to environmental stresses and pathogens.
一种新基因在基因工程植物中的功能表达尚未见报道。朝着这一目标前进的一个主要障碍是我们对基因表达分子基础的了解有限。将基因工程确立为植物育种实际方面的尝试也因以下事实而变得复杂：大多数重要植物性状的基因尚未被鉴定。然而，从植物改良的各个方面获得的益处正在推动对植物转化技术的发展以及对负责有价值性状的基因的分离和表征的研究。随着科学家对植物分子遗传学的了解不断深入，我们有望在诸如改善植物营养品质、降低施肥需求以及增强对环境胁迫和病原体的抗性等不同领域看到实际应用。
