Is it a Tomato? Is it a Potato? It's Both!

Tomatoes and potatoes are used from the people all around the world. The potato grows below the surface in the soil and they have the form of mat weed.

On the other hand, tomatoes are plants that first came from South America. Their fruits are symmetrically distributed on the plants. This two species belong to one single Genus Solanum. We can easily realize that from their Latin names. The Latin name of tomato is Solanum lycopersicum, whereas the potato in Latin is called Solanum tuberosum.

With the progress of genetic engineering we have the opportunity to “create” a plant who gives both potatoes and tomatoes in the same time. Scientists are making this kind of plant combining two cells, one from the tomatoes and the other from the potatoes.

They managed to fuse two cells. The result is one hybrid cell which then could constitute new plant organisms using other methods. The best part of this is that the characteristics are transmitted on the next generation and they can reproduce with seeds, as well. People used this method to get one fascinating and effective plant which isn’t genetically modified. This plant is called Tom Tato. A tomato and a potato – in one plant.

I would like to taste that.