Genetic engineering technology provides the possibility for the personalized transformation of the color and morphology of animals and plants, but this process involves complex scientific, ethical, and regulatory considerations. The following are the key points： ### 1. **Common technical means** -**CRISPR-Cas9**: Precise editing of target genes (such as genes related to pigment synthesis or morphological development), with strong controllability. -**Transgenic technology**: The introduction of exogenous genes (such as fluorescent protein genes to create light fish) may bypass complex pathways and directly achieve effects. -**RNA interference**: Downregulates the expression of specific genes (such as silencing chlorophyll genes to make plants show white patterns). -**Synthetic biology**: Design artificial gene circuits to realize the dynamic effects of color changes with the environment (such as temperature-responsive pigment regulation). ### 2. **Examples of target genes** -**Plant**： -The anthocyanin pathway (such as DFR, ANS genes) changes the color of the flower -MYB transcription factor regulates petal pattern -Cell morphology genes (such as SPL) affect leaf shape -**Animals**： -Butterfly wing pigment gene (papiliochrome) - Zebrafish somatic developmental genes (such as shh) change stripes -Cross-border expression of fluorescent protein (GFP/RFP) ### 3. **Art application case** -**Commercial products**： -The world's first fluorescent ornamental fish "GloFish" (transferred to the jellyfish/coral fluorescent protein gene) -Japanese purple and blue rose (imported iris F3'5'h gene) -**Experimental research**： -The Harvard University team used CRISPR to edit the butterfly wing pattern (WntA gene) -The Dutch flower company cultivates black tulips (regulates anthocyanin methylation) ### 4. **Major challenges and boundaries** -**Technical bottleneck**： -Difficulties in the regulation of polygenic traits (for example, the structural color of peacock feathers involves 20+gene synergy) -Risk of environmental spread of genetically modified organisms (especially for insects) -**Ethical controversy**： -Animal welfare issues (such as whether editing the feather color of birds affects courtship behavior) -Cultural acceptance (Japan has a high acceptance of genetically modified ornamental fish, while the European Union has strict restrictions) -**Regulatory framework**： -The US FDA regulates genetically modified animals -The EU implements a strict GMO ban -China requires agricultural GMO safety certificate ### 5. **Alternative proposal** -**Instantaneous expression technology**: Temporarily change the color of plants through viral vectors or nano-particles (aging for several months) -**Epigenetic modification**: Use histone modifiers to induce color changes (without changing the DNA sequence) -**Symbiosis project**: Transformation of microorganisms that coexist with organisms (such as intestinal flora affecting the color of crustaceans) It is recommended to carry out compliance research in scientific research institutes or biological art laboratories, and give priority to plant or lower animal models (such as zebrafish and ferns). Industrial-grade applications need to pass at least 2-3 years of biosafety assessment, and consider the use of physical isolation (such as indoor aquariums) and other control measures. Artists and cooperative scientists need to participate in ethical review together. Transparency is the key to public acceptance.