How Genetic Engineering May Revive Extinct Trees

Reviving extinct species of trees through cloning has become a topic of great interest in the scientific community. This emerging field offers the potential to bring back lost biodiversity and restore ecosystems, as well as discover unknown medicinal benefits. However, it also presents inherent dangers and challenges that need to be carefully addressed. Scientists around the globe are exploring the possibilities, methods, processes, advances, inherent dangers, and potential medicinal benefits associated with cloning extinct species of trees.

Conifers, Extinct Tree Example

Conifers are gymnosperms, meaning they have seeds that are not enclosed in a fruit. They are typically evergreen and have needle-like leaves. Some examples of extinct conifer species include:

Araucarioxylon arizonicum was an ancient conifer tree that lived approximately 225 million years ago during the Late Triassic Period. This tree was a dominant species in the Chinle Formation, which is now situated in the southwestern United States, particularly in Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and Utah.

De-extinction through genetic engineering is a cutting-edge approach to revive extinct tree species by utilizing advanced molecular biology techniques. This process involves several key steps:

• Extracting DNA from preserved samples: The first step in de-extinction through genetic engineering is obtaining well-preserved DNA samples from extinct species. These samples can come from various sources, such as fossils, amber inclusions, or permafrost remains. The quality of the DNA sample is critical, as it should be as intact as possible to ensure accurate genetic information.
• Sequencing the genome: Once the DNA sample is obtained, the next step is to sequence the entire genome of the extinct species. This process involves determining the order of the nucleotide bases (adenine, cytosine, guanine, and thymine) that make up the DNA. With the development of high-throughput sequencing technologies, it is now possible to sequence entire genomes relatively quickly and cost-effectively.
• Comparing genomes and identifying key genes: After sequencing the extinct species' genome, it is compared to the genomes of closely related living species. This comparison helps identify key genetic differences that distinguish the extinct species from its living relatives. These differences may include unique genes, gene sequences, or regulatory elements responsible for specific traits.
• Editing the genes of a closely related living species: With the key genetic differences identified, the next step is to edit the genes of a closely related living species to match those of the extinct species. This is done using advanced gene-editing technologies, such as CRISPR-Cas9. CRISPR-Cas9 allows researchers to precisely insert, delete, or modify specific DNA sequences within a genome, effectively "rewriting" the genetic code to resemble that of the extinct species.

• Producing a viable embryo: Once the necessary genetic modifications have been made, the edited cells are used to create a viable embryo. This can be done using techniques such as somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), in which the nucleus of an edited cell is transferred into an egg cell from a closely related species, replacing its nucleus. The egg cell is then stimulated to develop into an embryo.
• Implanting the embryo in a surrogate host: The final step is to implant the viable embryo into a surrogate host of a closely related species. This host will carry the embryo to term, giving birth to an offspring that possesses the genetic traits of the extinct species. This offspring will then be raised and monitored to ensure its health and survival.

De-extinction through genetic engineering holds great promise for reviving extinct species and restoring lost biodiversity. However, it also raises ethical, ecological, and technical concerns that must be carefully considered before moving forward with such endeavors.

Candidate Trees For De-Extinction

De-extinction, the process of bringing extinct species back to life through genetic engineering, has generated significant interest in recent years. With advances in biotechnology and genomics, the idea of reviving extinct tree species has become a more plausible concept. The potential benefits of de-extinction include increased biodiversity, restored ecosystems, and enhanced resilience to climate change. Below is a list of prime candidates for de-extinction and the reasons why they would be suitable.

• American Chestnut (Castanea dentata) - Why: The American chestnut was once a dominant tree species in the Eastern United States, but it was decimated by the chestnut blight fungus in the early 20th century. Reviving the American chestnut would not only restore a key part of the ecosystem but also provide a valuable source of timber and wildlife habitat.
• Saint Helena Olive (Nesiota elliptica) - Why: This tree, native to the island of Saint Helena in the South Atlantic, was declared extinct in 2003 due to habitat loss and invasive species. Bringing back the Saint Helena Olive would aid in restoring the island's unique ecosystem and enhance biodiversity.
• Franklin Tree (Franklinia alatamaha) - Why: The Franklin Tree was last seen in the wild in the late 18th century in Georgia, USA. Its beautiful flowers and intriguing history make it a prime candidate for de-extinction. The tree could be reintroduced into its native habitat to boost the ecosystem's biodiversity and provide a unique aesthetic appeal.
• Canary Islands Dragon Tree (Dracaena draco) - Why: While not entirely extinct, the Canary Islands Dragon Tree is critically endangered. The tree's slow growth rate and limited natural distribution make it a good candidate for genetic engineering to increase its resilience and adaptability, helping to prevent its extinction.
• Maui's Koa (Acacia koaia) - Why: This tree species from the Hawaiian Islands is severely threatened due to habitat loss and invasive species. Reviving and reintroducing this tree could help restore the native ecosystem, provide habitat for native fauna, and support the local culture.
• Great Auk Tree (Pinguicula grandis) - Why: This tree, native to the Mascarene Islands, went extinct in the 19th century due to habitat destruction and overexploitation. Restoring the Great Auk Tree would contribute to the recovery of the island's ecosystem and promote greater biodiversity.

De-extincting these tree species would require advanced genetic engineering techniques, such as CRISPR-Cas9, to resurrect their genomes using preserved samples or closely related species. Additionally, reintroduction efforts would need to be carefully planned to ensure that these trees can thrive in their natural habitats without negatively impacting existing ecosystems.

De-Extinction