转基因“黄金大米”:发展与挑战

Genetically Modified “Golden Rice”: Development and Challenge

维生素A缺乏是一种严重的营养不良,会导致许多健康问题,特别是对于贫困地区的妇女和儿童。为了应对这一挑战,瑞士科学家Ingo Potrykus和德国科学家Peter Beyer采用现代生物技术成功将水仙花的八氢番茄红素合成酶基因克隆并转入水稻胚乳从而发明了能有效补充人体所需维生素A的富含胡萝卜素的"黄金大米"。然而公众对于"黄金大米"的态度却陷入了巨大争论。为此,基于美国Web of Science数据库核心集全部论文的检索,对"黄金大米"的研发历史、科学效果、社会效益和未来挑战进行了追踪。结果表明,"黄金大米"是安全有效的,其商业化将给人类带来健康福利,但其商业化生产仍任重道远。

Vitamin A deficiency is a serious malnutrition,which can lead to many health problems,especially for women and children in poor areas. In order to cope with this challenge,Ingo Potrykus and Peter Beyer,from Switzerland and Germany respectively,have invented the so called ＂Golden Rice＂through cloning and transfering PSY gene into rice by using modern biotechnology,which is rich in carotene and can effectively supplement the vitamin A of the human body. However,there is a debate about the understanding of the＂Golden Rice＂. The history of the development of ＂Golden Rice＂,the scientific effects and social benefits were traced and studied based on scientific literatures from Web of Science. The conclusion shows that the ＂Golden Rice＂is safe and effective,and the earlier the commercialization of ＂Golden Rice＂,it will bring the human health and social welfare. However,the whole society needs to overcome some technical and political obstacles or the commercialization of the ＂Golden Rice＂is still far away.