Can DNA move from biotech crops decaying in fields to soil microorganisms?
Although we assume it is possible for soil microbes to take up DNA, all experimental attempts to induce gene transfer from biotech crops to soil bacteria and fungi in non-laboratory conditions have been unsuccessful. These results confirm findings of extensive field studies that show no detectable amount of genes from biotech-derived plants in soil microbes during and after field tests of biotech crops. Some investigators, under laboratory conditions, have been able to stimulate the transfer of DNA from plants derived through biotechnology to soil microbes. This was done to calculate a maximum rate of HGT rates of transfer. Investigators found the rates to be detectable, but very low. Other investigators have been unable to demonstrate HGT from biotech crops to soil microbes even under optimal laboratory conditions.
Related Questions
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- Can DNA move from biotech crops decaying in fields to soil microorganisms?
