S. Vollenhofer et al., Genetically modified organisms in food-screening and specific detection bypolymerase chain reaction, J AGR FOOD, 47(12), 1999, pp. 5038-5043
PCR methods for the detection of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) were
developed that can be used for screening purposes and for specific detecti
on of glyphosate-tolerant soybean and insect-resistant maize in food. Prime
rs were designed to amplify parts of the 35S promoter derived from Cauliflo
wer Mosaic Virus, the NOS terminator derived from Agrobacterium tunefaciens
and the antibiotic marker gene NPTII (neomycin-phosphotransferase II), to
allow for general screening of foods. PCR/hybridization protocols were esta
blished for the detection of glyphosate-tolerant RoundUp Ready soybean and
insect-resistant Bt-maize. Besides hybridization, confirmation of the resul
ts using restriction analysis was also possible. The described methods enab
led a highly sensitive and specific detection of GMOs and thus provide a us
eful tool for routine analysis of raw and processed food products.