[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 34 (Tuesday, March 4, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E351]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  AMIRA ANUAR AS THE DISTRICT WINNER OF THE 2003 CAST ESSAY CONTEST--
              BOUNDLESS SCIENCE FOR BOUNTIFUL AGRICULTURE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 4, 2003

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to 
extend my sincere congratulations to Amira Anuar of West Haven, 
Connecticut as Connecticut's Third Congressional District winner of the 
Council for Agriculture Science and Technology's annual essay contest. 
This year's theme, ``Boundless Science for Bountiful Agriculture,'' 
gave youngsters a chance to learn about the importance of agriculture 
and the innovative science and technologies that are making a 
difference in our world. I am pleased to submit Amira's essay, entitled 
``Dynamic DNA'' to the Congressional Record and recognize her for this 
outstanding achievement.

       Let it be a well known fact that science has no limit to 
     its endless possibilities. We can make miracles happen with 
     the technology of brilliant scientists. Genetic DNA 
     manipulation has helped the world of science accomplish 
     countless numbers of near impossible tasks. What is DNA? DNA 
     is a hereditary material that controls all cell activities 
     and contains information for making new cells.
       We can use DNA exploitation technology to increase 
     agriculture's production. Genetic manipulations have fueled 
     the growth of agriculture. Using the technology, farmers, 
     ranchers and herders can control the reproduction of their 
     crops and livestock. How do they do this? They do it by 
     following a brief amount of steps.
       Animals can have foreign genes implanted into their DNA 
     structure that can help them do things they couldn't do with 
     out it. To do that, the foreign genes have to be implanted 
     into a fresh fertilized egg before it develops. First, you 
     have to identify the wanted and helpful genes in the donor 
     cells of a foreign animal. Next, you use restriction enzymes 
     to cut the genes out of its DNA. It is clipped in to the DNA 
     molecules of a bacterium which will carry the traits. Once it 
     is ready, the carrier will transplant the genes into a host 
     embryo. The embryo will either duplicate or immediately be 
     inserted into a pregnant mother or egg so it will develop.
       These genes can do many things to help the animals. They 
     can help to fight diseases, grow stronger, or withstand harsh 
     environments. For example, an antifreeze producing gene that 
     was extracted from a cold water flounder can be inserted into 
     certain kinds of salmon so they can be raised in chillier 
     climates.
       Not only can genetics help animals, but they can be 
     beneficial to plants as well. The process is almost the same 
     for a plant as it is for an animal. You find the target gene, 
     cut it, and transplant it into the carrier where it is then 
     inserted into a plant.
       Although the processes are very similar, the benefits to 
     plants are very different. Fruits can have a strong 
     resistence to bruising. A crop defense against disease or 
     pests can be made stronger. Soybean can be made into a 
     healthier food source. Green plants can have more efficient 
     photosynthesis. All that and more can occur. It's all thanks 
     to DNA manipulation and genetic exploitation.
       The manipulation of genetics has propelled agriculture 
     bounty. It's no wonder agriculture is leading the way with 
     its cutting edge gene manipulation techniques.

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