Replies to post #73469 on Kraig Biocraft Laboratories Inc (KBLB)

[ZincFinger]

Big Red was done with SGMO's zinc fingers, NOT ND/Dr Fraser's piggybac. THe GMs were thus done in the EXACT location targeted and completely stable. (see my first post today for an explanation of the genetic variability and why it is not a problem (as has ALREADY been demonstrated with MS.)

THe genetic variation will be in sequence not important in production of normal silk and hence variable in the Large Commercial Worm from which Big Red (and MS *in part*) was developed. A small part of it would be important in the metabolism of the two amino acids used in very exceptionally large amounts in spider silk protein. Just as almost certainly was the case with MS, the variations most favorable for that metabolism will be selected for during the ramp up of the Big Red population (and the new testing equipment will make the selection for that more directed and much more efficient this time),

KBLB has this under very good control and is taking all appropriate steps as evidence by the acquisition and modification of the testing equipment.

[casper-pkt]

yes, I suppose it could have something to do with DNA expression through subsequent breeding cycles. However, based on "Truths" response as well, I would also have to consider that there is more going on then just the desired fiber expression.

I hadn't read the article he posted before, and yes, it gets quite "techy", but it does broaden my line of thinking and factor in other considerations I hadn't really thought of before. Specifically, a new line of thinking that many other considerations/challenges exist throughout what many term as "Production", and it isn't simply limited to what 'spews out' at the end of the cycle, otherwise known as the end product/fiber. Other challenges exist, whether it is disease control or minimizing fatality rates for higher production rates, weather, quality of feed, breeding rates, and many others that all have a play in production cycles. All must be given the appropriate attention, otherwise too many variables can effect capacity and consistent fulfillment of product.

[rayovac812]

BR is just 1 of many strains they have made so far that showed promise. Now that they have their own testing equipment they can begin testing of all the other strains and see what properties they each have.

When I first read it, I thought it was a negative. I thought I remembered that MS had the same "problem." There were 20 some strains I thought. It took a while to get the strain we wanted, and then from there, build up populations of the selected strain... to were they are now.