November 19, 2007

UK scientists create crops with fish oil

Scientists at Rothamsted Research in Harpenden, Herts, discovered that plants can synthesize omega 3 fatty acids in their seed oils when inserted with single-celled marine algae known as Thalassiosira pseudonana.

Omega-3 fatty acids are normally found in oily fish, such as salmon, mackerel and herring. However, concerns over dwindling fish stocks and marine pollution have led researchers to find an alternative source of omega-3 fatty acids --- fats that are important for good health.

The UK scientists isolated key genes from Thalassiosira pseudonana and inserted these into crops such as linseed and rapeseed. It was found that the plants were able to synthesize omega-3 fatty acids in their seed oils.

Jonathan Napier, the research group leader, said that the eventual aim of this research is to feed GM-enhanced oils to animals like chickens and cattle to produce meat, milk and eggs enriched with omega-3. This would in turn provide sustainable fish oil despite the dwindling fish stocks.