We will discuss the technology variously called Technology Protection System (TPS), Genetic Use Restriction Technology (GURT), and 'Terminator' Technology and its biological, ecological and societal implications.

*Required reading

First, understand this technology at the molecular biological & biochemical levels.
1. Read about the technology:
You will find a reasonably good summary of the technology on this page:
*http://filebox.vt.edu/cals/cses/chagedor/terminator.html
Try to avoid reading the first and last paragraphs; concentrate on getting the molecular biology right.
For figures illustrating some of the technological steps involved:
*http://agronomy.ucdavis.edu/gepts/pb143/lec20/Terminatorl.gif
http://www.iisc.ernet.in/~currsci/dec25/articles15.htm
 

On the patent
http://www.nbiap.vt.edu/news/1998/news98.Aug.html
Patent awarded for plant gene expression (Technology Protection)

For details of the technology:
"USDA and Delta and Pineland Company patent US5925808" especially pages 2-3:
http://www.ratical.org/co-globalize/MaeWanHo/terminator.pdf

"How the Terminator terminates: an explanation for the non-scientist of a remarkable patent for killing second generation seeds of crop plants"
http://www.edmonds-institute.org/crouch.html

For basics on plant transformation:
http://ceprap.ucdavis.edu/Transformation/transform1.htm

B) Make another short summary or figure that describes the essential features of the technology, such that you can explain it to a lay person who does not know anything about this technology. Try it out on such a person.

As you write these summaries make sure you describe the process just at the molecular biological or biochemical level.

3. Make two short lists:
List at least TWO consequences of GURT at the organismal level.

List at least TWO consequences of GURT at ecological and societal le vels. Use the readings below to make your list.

Implications of the technology for agriculture and biodiversity
*http://www.newcrops.uq.edu.au/newslett/ncnl1111.htm
Technology Protection System or Terminator Gene?
*http://www.cgiar.org/biotech/rep0100/Johnson.pdf
Genetically Modified Crops and Other Organisms: Implications for Agricultural Sustainability and Biodiversity
*http://www.agbiotechnet.com/news/database/guestnews.asp

Technology Protection System: What, and whom, might the technology benefit?
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/br/tps/
Why USDAís Technology Protection System (aka ìTerminatorî) Benefits Agriculture

Terminator Gene: What, and whom, might the technology harm?
Agriculture
http://www.biotech-info.net/response_to_backgrounder.html
Response to "Control of Gene Expression" Patents background paper
http://www.rockfound.org/display.asp?context=1&Collection=4&DocID=141
Crop Biotechnology: Benefits, Risks and Ownership
Biodiversity
http://www.rafi.org/article.asp?newsid=106
Nairobi Biodiversity Meeting Must Ban Terminator
http://www.biotech-info.net/failing_farmers.html
"Biodiversity Convention's Terminator Decision Fails Biodiversity and Fails Farmers"

Where, if at all, do agricultural and biodiversity concerns meet?
http://life.bio.sunysb.edu/ee/geeta/CBD.htm
What's the Convention on Biological Diversity?
http://www.rockfound.org/display.asp?Collection=4&context=1&DocID=144&SectionTypeID=0&Preview=0&ARCurrent=1#public
Enclosing the Global Plant Genetic Commons
http://www.ukabc.org/cop5b.htm#a1
Defending Agricultural Biodiversity
http://www.iucn-ero.nl/whatsnew_files/pdf/IS8Rep.pdf
Sowing the Seeds for Sustainability: Agriculture, Biodiversity, Economy  and Society

Morning: Discussion of the technology to make sure everyone clearly understands the biological details. You will be required to explain to the class different aspects of the technology, so make sure you come prepared.

Afternoon: Discussion of ecological and societal implications.
 

Here is a link to my web page on some of these aspects                                          Go back to main BIO 341 page