7) What is transgenic PRSV-resistant papaya?
Transgenic PRSV-resistant papaya is a papaya that has been genetically engineered to contain a virus gene that encodes for the production of the coat protein of the virus. As a major component of viruses, the coat protein’s primary function is to protect viral genetic information.
Expression of this gene in the resulting papaya line renders the plants resistant to the virus. In other words, a gene from the pathogen is used to fight against the pathogen itself. In much the same way vaccines immunize humans against different diseases, modern biotechnology allows scientists to insert small fragments of plant viral DNA into crops. This develops natural protection or immunity against those viruses.