Plants have various mechanisms to cope with such stresses, such as small molecules known as compatible solutes. By manipulating the GK gene, which controls the stingy production of proline, we hoped to genetically engineer plants that produce lots of proline under drought conditions. Analysis of the DNA sequence of this clone revealed that GK and GPR are specified by two distinct open messages similar to those seen in bacteria. TomPRO1, the gene Garcia-Rios cloned, has since been genetically modified and reintroduced into tomato plants. Researchers at Purdue University are testing the genetically engineered tomato plants for enhanced drought tolerance.
Results obtained thus far are very encouraging.
Garcia-Rios is philosophical about his discovery of the unusual gene. I was fortunate. Garcia-Rios will continue his research towards genetically engineering plants with enhanced drought tolerance. Garcia-Rios believes they were the first students to successfully clone a gene in Laredo. Prior to beginning his graduate studies, he worked for the Cuauhtemoc Brewery, famed for Bohemia, Tecate and XX beverages.