Investor Presentaiton
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS THROUGH BIOTECHNOLOGY
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The science of biotechnology provides researchers with new tools to better understand
plants and develop better hybrids. A deeper understanding of a plant's genetic structure
is vitally important because understanding how plants work can help us address
issues facing the human race. Genes are made of sections of DNA in which the
chemical bases are arranged in a specific order or sequence. The sequence pro-
vides the instructions for a leaf to be a leaf, or a plant to resist
a particular disease.
One biotechnology tool, transformation, gives scientists the ability to improve
products in ways not possible through conventional breeding. If genes for a valuable
trait are available from other sources, researchers are able to integrate those genes into
the maize germplasm, and thus offer improved products. An example is maize with improved
resistance to insects. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a naturally occurring soil bacterium containing
a gene that gives protection against certain insects. Researchers have been able to insert this
Bt gene into the maize germplasm and create hybrids with the added trait of resistance to
European corn borer and other pests. As with all PioneerⓇ brand products, hybrids developed
through transformation are thoroughly tested and approved by appropriate regulatory agencies
that determine their effectiveness and safety.
Genomics also is an important biotechnology tool. Genomics is the study of the genetic material
in a chromosome set. The information gathered through genomic tools, when used in conjunction
with other technologies, helps researchers better understand which genes determine important
traits, and how genes work together.
Researcher Richard McCardell
examines grain.View entire presentation