Considers the pre-requisites for metabolic engineering (the redirection of enzymatic reactions to improve production or to mediate degradation of existing compounds and to promote production of new ones) in plants. Discusses recent successes in engineering increased production of beta-carotene in a variety of food crops and suggests that the next stage for research development is in engineering complex metabolic pathways. Concludes that this will enhance humankind's ability to turn plants into bio-factories producing important compounds in a safe and sustainable manner. © 2001, MCB UP Ltd.

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