Creating Glofish: The Science Behind Fluorescent Fish

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the genetic modification process used to create GloFish, specifically focusing on how zebra danios are altered to exhibit fluorescence. Participants explore various methods and techniques involved in the genetic engineering of these fish.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the specific process of genetically altering zebra danios to create GloFish, seeking a simple outline of the method.
  • One participant asserts that GloFish are genetically modified organisms that must be purchased rather than created.
  • Another participant clarifies that they are interested in the gene delivery system used in the modification process, rather than the genetic makeup of the fish.
  • A participant shares a link to an article but notes it does not address the specific process of gene insertion.
  • One participant mentions the use of a gene gun as a potential method for gene delivery, expressing a desire for a similar technique applicable to fish.
  • Another participant references a book that includes a zebra danio but does not detail the technique used for genetic modification, suggesting that the method may be a closely held secret.
  • A participant provides a link to a resource discussing various methods for genetically engineering zebrafish, mentioning newer genome editing technologies like CRISPR as emerging standards for creating transgenic organisms.
  • One participant concludes that the process involves using a drug for transporting and inserting modified DNA into the yolk after fertilization.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding and interest in the genetic modification process, with no consensus on the specific techniques used. Multiple competing views and methods are discussed, indicating that the topic remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations include the lack of detailed descriptions of the gene delivery systems and techniques, as well as the potential for proprietary information regarding the methods used to create GloFish.

thankz
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http://www.glofish.com/about/glofish-science/

if someone could provide my a simple outline of how you'd make a zebra danio into a glofish that would be great, guesses welcome.
 
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thankz said:
if someone could provide my a simple outline of how you'd make a zebra danio into a glofish that would be great, guesses welcome.
You don't make them, you buy them. They are genetically modified.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GloFish
 
sorry if I wasn't being clear, I meant how did they genetically alter this fish (the process), not the genetics of it, the process used to splice in the new gene(s)? could it be done with drugs or was cut and paste?
 
while informative (I saved the article) it didn't answer my question on the process. :-p I'm looking for the gene delivery system kinda like this but usable for fish http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gene_gun
 
Last edited by a moderator:
This website has some information on some methods for genetically engineering zebrafish (http://www.labome.com/method/Current-Methods-in-Zebrafish-Research.html, see the section on transgenic technology for the techniques that were likely used to create the GloFish). Newer genome editing technologies based on the https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/breakthrough-prize-genome-editing-with-https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/dont-fear-crispr-new-gene-editing-technologies-wont-lead-designer-babies/-cas9.798959/ (see http://www.nature.com/srep/2014/141008/srep06545/full/srep06545.html for a paper specific to zebrafish), however, are becomming the new standard methods to generate transgenic organisms.
 
so from what I'm reading it's a drug for transport and insertion of the modified dna injected into the yolk after fertilization. thanks I think I got it. :smile:
 

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