Detection of genetically engineered plants by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using the FLAVR SAVR tomato as an example

Abstract

In this study, a practical approach for the detection of a genetically engineered tomato is demonstrated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. The Flavr Savr tomato available on the market which was used as an example, contains a resistance gene for the antibiotic kanamycin (kanr) and a gene construct for the inhibition of fruit ripening and softening (antisense polygalacturonase). The presence of these DNA's could only be detected in the genetically engineered tomato.