MODEL RELEASED. Bioengineered seedlings. View of a plant molecular biologist examining genetically altered Arabidopsis seedlings, grown on soil substitute in a petri dish. The seedlings have been tagged", that is, DNA has been randomly introduced into their genomes. The mutant seedlings are studied for their mineral acquisition properties. The project is designed to investigate the genes which control plant mineral nutrition. Genetic engineering has opened up a wealth of agricultural possibilities including conferring plant resistance to pests and pollution and higher crop yields."