Does the idea of genetically modified (GM) trees stir up images of Ents from The Lord of the Rings? Do you find yourself wondering if there are transgenic trees planted in your local forest? If someone were to ask how you feel about planting GM trees in a plantation forest, what would you say? Okay, let me back up a few steps. This article is about tree biotechnology in Canada. In order to continue reading this article you need to know a few things about biotechnology. DON’T STOP READING. If you already do know, feel free to skip this paragraph.…
The Science Creative Quarterly
By lisamcdonnell
Lisa McDonnell is currently pursing a PhD (a.k.a. a crash course in how-to-be-a-scientist, teacher, and manager of time - or slave of time) in the Faculty of Forestry, Wood Science. She is studying in a tree biotechnology lab - although not creating genetically altered trees to grow in nature - but using biotechnology tools to study the basic functions of genes and proteins in plant development and wood formation. She also enjoys cooking, wine, and would gladly debate the pros and cons of biotechnology at any time.