Question
Biology Question on Applications of Biotechnology
'Flavr Savr' variety of tomato which remains fresh for a longer period than normal tomato variety
has high amount of enzyme polygalacturonase
has reduced amount of enzyme polygalacturo-nase
is a pest resistant variety
is rich in vitamin A and prevents night blindness
has reduced amount of enzyme polygalacturo-nase
Solution
The tomato variety 'Flavr Savr' presents an example where expression of a native tomato gene has been blocked. Fruit softening is promoted by the enzyme polygalacturonase, which degrades pectin. Production of polygalacturonase is blocked in the transgenic tomato variety 'Flavr Savr'. So, fruits of this tomato variety remain fresh and retain their flavour much longer than do the fruits of normal tomato varieties. Additionally, the fruits have a superior taste and increased total soluble solids.