How are genetically modified foods different from traditional plant breeding?
In traditional plant breeding, scientists could not transfer single genetic traits or readily make crosses between species. Advances in their understanding of genetics has allowed them to transfer only the genes of interest, using the technique of re-combining DNA. For example, the lycopene-enhanced tomato developed by Purdue University and the United States Department of Agriculture has had a yeast gene inserted that improves the tomato’s phytonutrient content, juice quality and vine life.
