What are gene drives? Is that like genetically modifying insects to not feel pain and then introducing them into the environment so the pain-free genes eventually replace all the standard genes? (Or whatever other genetic feature, not necessarily pain related)
Exactly, it follows a very similar logic, but when it comes to population control, an infertility gene is what’s generally used.
Gene drives rely on CRISPR/Cas9 technology, which acts as a tool to ensure nearly 100% of offspring inherit the new trait.
In our case;
1- A female infertility gene is inserted into the eggs of the target species.
2- Once these insects are released into the wild, they mate with wild ones, and the CRISPR system cuts the normal gene from the wild parent & replaces it with the infertility gene.
3- This way, the males remain fertile and act as carriers to spread the trait through the population; however, because the females carrying this code become unable to lay eggs, the population quietly and naturally declines over time.
What are gene drives? Is that like genetically modifying insects to not feel pain and then introducing them into the environment so the pain-free genes eventually replace all the standard genes? (Or whatever other genetic feature, not necessarily pain related)
Exactly, it follows a very similar logic, but when it comes to population control, an infertility gene is what’s generally used.
Gene drives rely on CRISPR/Cas9 technology, which acts as a tool to ensure nearly 100% of offspring inherit the new trait.
In our case;
1- A female infertility gene is inserted into the eggs of the target species.
2- Once these insects are released into the wild, they mate with wild ones, and the CRISPR system cuts the normal gene from the wild parent & replaces it with the infertility gene.
3- This way, the males remain fertile and act as carriers to spread the trait through the population; however, because the females carrying this code become unable to lay eggs, the population quietly and naturally declines over time.
Wouldn’t this have a massive impact on the ecosystem? Crop pests are often beneficial when not on the crop