Real-time PCR Analysis of Genetically Modified Organisms

Real-time PCR Analysis of Genetically Modified Organismsfrom Arne Holst-Jensen writing in Real-Time PCR in Food Science: Current Technology and Applications:Genetic modification (GM) alters the phenotype of the GM organism (GMO). This is achieved through application of gene technology and modification of genetic information stored in nucleic acids. The logical choice of methodology to detect and characterise GM is therefore analytical methods targeting nucleic acids. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methodology has been the preferred methodology of this type for two decades, and the following paper will review its applications and derivatives in relation to detection and characterisation of GM organisms (GMOs). The need for detection, identification, characterization and quantitation of GMOs depends on issues such as the legal status of the GMOs in question (authorized or not), labeling or contractual requirements, authentication, traceability and co-existence, environmental monitoring and risk assessments. The fitness for purpose of a specific analytical method is often limited to certain applications. Guidelines to establishment of analytical strategy and method selection can be very useful to those who order as well as to those who provide GMO analyses. A fundamental distinction can be made between screening and identification methods, respectively. The former may be used to group and separate putatively GMO-free samples from samples containing GMO. Both classes of meth...
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