Can random insertion of the new gene into the plant’s DNA cause unexpected changes?
Yes. Keep in mind that unexpected changes are also possible regardless of the method used to develop the improved crop. That is why thousands of tests are conducted to monitor those changes. We eliminate plants that have unacceptable changes in food safety, nutritional value or agronomic performance during the stages of product development. We submit a regulatory request for product approval only if the resulting data shows that the biotechnology crop performs predictably and meets established standards for human health and environmental safety.
Related Questions
- Why does a mutation that deletes one or two DNA nucleotides changes gene function more drastically than a substitution of one nucleotide for another type?
- Can random insertion of the new gene into the plant’s DNA cause unexpected changes?
- What do DNA mutations have to do with amino acid changes in a protein?