Are Mutations in Genetically Modified Plants Dangerous?

Henk J Schouten,Evert Jacobsen

doi:10.1155/2007/82612

Abstract

Are Mutations in Genetically Modified Plants Dangerous?

Highlights

The authors suggest that in addition to the inserted transgene, mutations have their own contribution to uncertainties regarding biosafety
They recommend extended backcrossing for elimination of genomewide mutations, and sequencing of flanking DNA of 50 kbp at each side of the insertion, and discarding of plants that show any mutation in the flanking DNA compared to the parent plant
Since the discovery of X-ray induced mutations in barley nearly 80 years ago (Stadler [3]), plant breeders and geneticists have realized how DNA mutations can be induced for widening the genetic variation in their germplasm

Summary

Introduction

The authors suggest that in addition to the inserted transgene, mutations have their own contribution to uncertainties regarding biosafety. The authors do not mention mutation breeding of plants. During the past seventy years, mutation breeding led to more than 2250 plant varieties (Maluszynski et al [4]; Ahloowalia et al [5]).

Results

Conclusion