What is the Difference Between Cisgenesis and Intragenesis?

Cisgenesis and intragenesis are genetic modification techniques that involve the transfer of genetic material within the same species or between crossable species. They were developed as alternatives to conventional transgenesis, which involves the transfer of genes between different species, to address safety concerns, environmental risks, and health issues associated with the presence of foreign DNA. The key differences between cisgenesis and intragenesis are:

• Cisgenesis: In this technique, a complete copy of a natural gene with its native promoter, introns, and terminator sequences is introduced into a plant from a crossable species. The original genetic makeup is maintained, and the gene of interest has its own promoter and terminator.
• Intragenesis: This technique involves the transfer of a gene with combined regulatory elements from the same species or a closely related species into the target plant. In contrast to cisgenesis, intragenesis can change the vigor of the new plant. Intragenesis allows for the use of new gene combinations created by in vitro rearrangements of functional genetic elements.

Both cisgenesis and intragenesis rely on genetic material from members of the same gene pool or genes from sexually compatible species, which is less likely to trigger public concern compared to transgenesis. However, future laws for cisgenic and intragenic crops may need to be clarified, as public acceptance of these techniques is currently higher than that of transgenic crops.

Comparative Table: Cisgenesis vs Intragenesis

Cisgenesis and intragenesis are two alternative concepts to transgenesis, both taking place between crossable species. Here is a table comparing the differences between the two:

In summary, cisgenesis involves introducing genes without altering their DNA sequence and maintaining the original genetic makeup, while intragenesis allows for the combination of regulatory elements from different species or even from the same species itself, potentially altering the plant's vigor and raising concerns about environmental and human health safety.