Cisgenic is a relatively new term in the field of biotechnology, referring to the creation of genetically modified plants that have been modified using genes from closely related species. The word is pronounced /sɪzˈdʒɛnɪk/ and the spelling is based on the prefix cis-, meaning "on the same side," and the suffix -genic, meaning "producing." The resulting word cisgenic thus refers to the production of plants with genes from the same or closely related species, in contrast to transgenic plants, which are modified using genes from unrelated organisms.
Cisgenic is an adjective used to describe the method of creating genetically modified organisms (GMOs) by introducing a specific gene or genes from a closely related organism into the host organism without the need for genetic engineering techniques such as gene splicing or manipulation.
The term "cisgenic" is derived from the Latin prefix "cis," meaning "on the same side," and "genic," denoting "related to genes." This indicates that the gene transfer occurs between organisms that can naturally reproduce with each other, maintain genetic compatibility, and share common genetic material.
Cisgenic technology allows for the transfer of beneficial traits found within the same species or closely related species. For example, a cisgenic modification may involve introducing a disease-resistant gene from one variety of tomato plant into another variety to enhance resistance against a specific pathogen. In this case, both organisms share a common gene pool, making the transfer more natural and potentially less controversial compared to transgenic methods involving genes from unrelated organisms.
Cisgenic techniques offer the advantages of precision breeding, as only selected genes with known functions are incorporated into the recipient organism's genetic makeup. Additionally, cisgenic modifications may have a higher acceptance rate among consumers and regulatory bodies, as they closely resemble naturally occurring genetic variations and do not involve the introduction of foreign genes.
The term "cisgenic" was coined in the field of biotechnology and genetics, specifically in relation to genetic modification. It is derived from the Latin prefix "cis", meaning "on the same side", and the Greek word "genos", meaning "birth" or "origin". The combination of these elements suggests that the genetic modification process in "cisgenic" organisms involves the transfer of genes from one organism to another within the same species or closely related species. In other words, the genes are sourced from organisms that are on the same side of the natural breeding barriers.