Research instrumentation for the 21st century: progress toward complete genomic maps and sequence data bases, and indexes of protein gene products

The instrumentation requirements for agricultural research in the 21st century hinge on whether or not complete analyses of animal and plant cells will be required, on the cost of performing the analyses, and on the cost and complexity of the analytical instrumentation needed. It is emphasized that nature’s response to modern agriculture is to evolve pests and diseases better fitted to attack new genetically uniform plants, or to escape pesticides or herbicides. For all future history, new strains of crop plants, new herbicides and pesticides, and new animal strains will be required periodically. Existing native plant varieties now provide genes for resistance which are empirically discovered, and bred into high-yield strains by conventional methods. It is suggested that this process will not be endlessly successful, and that at some future time the required genes will not be found. Then, true genetic engineering with rational design and optimization will be required. This means the complete sequencing of plant and animal genomes, the identification and characterization of all gene products, computer modelling of cell function, and ultimately the introduction of sets of modified or totally synthetic genes. We review the status of some of the instruments required, and suggest future directions for their development.