GMO Analysis
The genetic characteristics of plants can be changed in the laboratory environment. With scientific studies called genetic engineering, the DNA of the plant is changed by transferring a special gene from another source, and in this way, the plant is brought to a desired feature. For example, by modifying the soybean plant genes, a weed resistant gene was transferred to the DNA of soybean, thus making it resistant to various shrubs, weeds and unwanted plants. In this way, the fight against weeds that affect the development of soybean during soybean production has become easier.In general, such genetic interventions on plants are done not by transferring a single trait, but by transferring a specific gene chain. This chain consists of starter gene, termination gene and marker genes. Detailed studies are required to determine the type and amount of genetic change.
Gene modifications on plants provide numerous advantages to farmers or agrochemical producers. Genetically modified soy, corn, rapeseed and cotton are produced by providing resistance to weeds and weeds. Other genetically modified plant species include rice, papaya, potatoes, sugar beets and flaxseed.
Today, only approved GMOs are allowed to be used in the American and European Union countries. People who will put GMO products on the market must first get approval from government agencies.
GMO analyzes are carried out only in laboratories with strong infrastructures and by expert molecular biologists. However, the cost is not high. Analyzes are carried out to meet consumers' requests for non-GMO products.
In general, two basic methods are used in GMO analysis:
• Screening of a GMO-specific protein with the ELISA method
• Molecular biology techniques
The second method is more commonly used. Because the ELISA method captures only one type of protein, multiple analyzes are required for effective screening. Molecular biology techniques give more precise results on the presence of GMOs.
The harm caused by GMO products to the human body has not been fully determined. However, in experiments on animals, findings have been obtained that GMO products damage organs, impair the digestive and immune systems, accelerate aging and cause infertility. It is also thought that it cannot be easily eliminated from the body and may cause long-term harm.
