New directions for biosciences research in agriculture : high-reward opportunities / Committee on Biosciences Research and Agriculture, Board on Agriculture, National Research Council.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

National Research Council (U.S.). Committee on Biosciences Research in Agriculture.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Agriculture--Research--United States.

Agriculture.

Biology--Research--United States.

Biology.

Genetic engineering--Research--United States.

Genetic engineering.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (136 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Washington, D.C. : National Academy Press, 1985.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Authored by an integrated committee of plant and animal scientists, this review of newer molecular genetic techniques and traditional research methods is presented as a compilation of high-reward opportunities for agricultural research. Directed to the Agricultural Research Service and the agricultural research community at large, the volume discusses biosciences research in genetic engineering, animal science, plant science, and plant diseases and insect pests. An optimal climate for productive research is discussed.

Contents:

New Directions for Biosciences Research in Agriculture

Copyright

Preface

Acknowledgments

Contents

Executive Summary

SETTING PRIORITIES

RESEARCH IN THE BIOSCIENCES

Genetic Engineering

Food Animals

Disease

Growth and Metabolism

Development and Reproduction

Crops

Carbon and Nitrogen Input

Growth and Development

Physicochemical Stress

Plant Diseases and Insect Pests

Plant-Pathogen Interactions

Biological Control

Insect Neurobiology

Pesticides

OPTIMAL CLIMATE FOR BASIC RESEARCH

Periodic Outside Review

Leadership

Ars Centers

Staff and Activities

Budget Flexibility

Outside Relationships

1 Introduction

2 Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering

STRUCTURE, ORGANIZATION, AND EXPRESSION OF GENES

ISOLATION

Cloning

Transfer

Expression

OPPORTUNITIES IN THE PLANT SCIENCES

Gene Isolation

Gene Transfer

Plasmids as Vectors

Transposable Elements as Vectors

Viruses as Vectors

Other Vectors: Microinjection and Direct DNA Uptake

Cell Culture and Plant Regeneration

Gene Expression

Effect of Location on Gene Expression

Regulatory Sequences

Transient Expression Assays

Multiple Gene Traits

Research Status

ASPECTS OF MOLECULAR GENETICS OF FOOD ANIMALS

Microinjection into the Germ Line

Retroviral-based Vectors

Other Vectors

Gene Identification and Cross Cloning

POTENTIAL IMPACT ON U.S. AGRICULTURE

3 Animal Science

MOLECULAR BASIS OF DISEASE

Genes Regulating the Immune Response

Major Histocompatibility Complex

Lymphocyte Hormones

Antibodies

Pathogens and Vectors

Disease Control

Molecular Diagnostics

Therapeutic Agents

MOLECULAR BASIS FOR METABOLIC REGULATION.

Characterization of Endogenous Chemical Mediators

Metabolic Control and Function of Cells

Factors Influencing Intake and Digestion

DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY AND REPRODUCTION

Differentiation

In Vitro Manipulation of Gametes and Embryos

Addition of Genetic Information to Embryos

Reproductive Efficiency

4 Plant Science

CARBON AND NITROGEN INPUT FOR PLANT GROWTH

Photosynthesis

Chloroplast Functions

Carbon Fixation

Photosynthetic Efficiency

Harvest Index

Nitrogen Metabolism

Biological Nitrogen Fixation

Improving Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation

Host Plant Improvement

Other Aspects of Nitrogen Metabolism

Essential Amino Acids

Nitrates and Nitrites

Fertilizer Nitrogen Losses

REGULATION OF PLANT GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

Biosynthetic Pathways

Chemical Analysis

Genetic Variants

Photomorphogenesis

PHYSICOCHEMICAL STRESS

Plant Responses to Stress Factors

Drought

Salinity

Low Temperature

High Temperature

Stress-Tolerance Mechanisms

5 Plant Diseases and Insect Pests

MOLECULAR BASES OF PLANT-PATHOGEN INTERACTIONS

Molecular Determinants of Resistance and Susceptibility

Genetics

Gene Products

Gene Structure

MOLECULAR BASIS OF CELLULAR DAMAGE IN SUSCEPTIBLE HOSTS

Mode of Action of Toxins

Nucleic Acid Interactions

Bacterial Interactions

MODIFICATION OF MICROORGANISMS FOR BIOLOGICAL CONTROL AND ORGANIC PESTICIDE DISPOSAL

Microbial Agents for Biological Control

Control of Pathogens

Control of Insect Pests

Control of Nematodes

Plant Health Microorganisms

Biological Degradation of Organic Pesticides

Research Status.

MOLECULAR BASIS OF PESTICIDE ACTION

INSECT NEUROBIOLOGY AND THE REGULATION OF DEVELOPMENT AND REPRODUCTION

Endocrine Regulation of Metamorphosis, Diapause, and Reproduction

6 The Optimal Climate for Basic Research

INTRODUCTION

RECOMMENDATIONS

National Program Staff

New Centers

Interdisciplinary Activities

Consolidation

Leveraging

Postdoctoral Program

Appointment of New Staff

Budget

Support Staff

Sabbaticals/Retraining

Scientific Meeting Attendance

Publications

University Relationships

Industry Relationships

Public Relations

CONCLUSION

Appendix

AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE LABORATORY GROUPS VISITED.

Notes:

Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph

ISBN:

9786610222339

9781280222337

1280222336

9780309564335

0309564336

9780585155661

0585155666

OCLC:

70772892