Our World

Genetic Code of a tree Unlocked

Tree article

This week it was revealed by scientists that they have unlocked the genetic code for the Black Cottonwood tree. What does this mean? Scientist could alter the genetic code with certain codes from other plants to make the tree grow taller, faster, be resistant to bugs and disease, and require less water and nutrients. The Black Cottonwood is used mainly for its lumber and pulp. If scientist were to alter the tree we could see more of the tree and grow them in places they usually dont grow.

Scientists say that one goal of altering the tree is to make a variety of that tree that can be used as a source of ethanol. Right now ethanol is harder and more expensive to get from a tree than it is from corn. If this goal were to become reality it would be easier to make ethanol, which could then be used as fuel for ethanol based cars and other ethanol using machines.

Ethanol is a significantly cleaner burning fuel that could help in the battle against global warming. Right now more and more cars are being introduced to the market that use ethanol instead of gasoline. This is very good for the environment since it would reduce the amount of Carbon dioxide which is the after product of burning gasoline. The carbon dioxide rises into the atmosphere and then traps uv rays from the sun, therefore potentionally making the world warmer.

These findings could also help other trees that are prone to sickness and logging. It would be easier for these trees to grow and so rainforests for example could grow larger, and help against the deforestation problems.

Some say that genetic alertering is wrong but in this case it could become extremely helpful against global warming, deforestation, disease, and other things, so i say they should go ahead and do it.

posted by Anonymous @ 9/19/2006 09:04:00 PM