Genetically Modified Oysters
Scientific Name: Ostreidae
How do you modify an oyster?
- insertion of a toxic chemical, a mycotoxin, and cytochalasin B at a critical moment during meiosis into the newly fertilized egg to prevent the reduction of the 2 sets of the female chromosomes to one, so it ends up with 3 sets (triploidy).
Oyster with a Pearl
In order to protect itself from irritation, the oyster will quickly begin covering the uninvited visitor with layers of nacre — the mineral substance that fashions the mollusk's shells. Layer upon layer of nacre, also known as mother-of-pearl, coat the grain of sand until the iridescent gem is formed.
The difference between a diploid and triploid cell used during meiosis.
A whole lot of oysters
Genetic Mutation: Pros & Cons
Pros:
- 33% larger than diploid cells
- faster production
- larger products
Cons:
- carcinogen and cytochalasin B linked with cancer (increases risk)
- mortality of oyster larvae
Production of Oysters
United States:
- increased by 806% between 2006-2012
- 9.8 mil in 2008
- 28.1 mil in 2012
World:
- 4.83 million tons a year