About Plant Protein and DNA Tests

Biogenetic Services, Inc. (BGS) uses isozyme (protein) assays for plant variety identification and seed purity and hybridity tests. ELISA protein assays are used for GMO event tests to determine the presence or quantity of protein of specific Bt or RR events in a seed (plant) sample or a bulked seed or grain sample.

BGS uses protein and DNA technology including RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism), and PCR (polymerase chain reaction) based technology to assist in identification, protection, development of intellectual property, screening for resistance to pests and marker facilitated breeding (transgenic tests). In addition to standard PCR analysis with minimum detection levels of approximately 0.1% for any GMO in a non-GMO sample, BGS also routinely provides GMO testing services using Quantitative methods which allow testing to the 0.01% detection level in a seed, grain, food ingredient or finished food (or feed) sample.

Event specific testing using PCR based methods looks for the gene conferring the trait of interest, such as the gene conferring the ability to produce Bt toxins. Testing for an unspecified modification (any GMO) looks for the presence of DNA elements common to most engineered genes (e.g. 35S promoter and T-nos terminator).

ELISA quantification tests also are available for some specific events, such as Bt toxin and Starlink protein, and reveal the presence of the engineered protein in seed, grain, commodity or product at the 0.04% detection level.

BGS utilizes protein (isozyme, ELISA) and DNA (PCR, SSR, SNP, EST, etc.) technology to provide information on sample purity (GMO) and multilocus genotypes (genetic fingerprints) for organisms of any kind. In plants, emphasis has been on providing information on purity (hybridity and GMO presence and absence or quantity) and genotypes of inbred lines, single cross hybrids, and populations of corn, popcorn, sweet corn, cotton, sunflower, soybeans, common beans, potatoes, canola, wheat, oats, barley, hops, papaya, squash and all types of other vegetable and fruit crops. DNA markers (RFLP and PCR) are also used to determine fertility in samples of maize inbreds and are useful tools for marker facilitated selection (e.g., backcrossing) in plant breeding programs.

The information provided by BGS includes inbred purity analyses, single and multicross hybrid purity and hybridity analyses, early generation analyses, individual genotyping (fingerprinting), and population (including multicross hybrids) analyses, fertility analyses, disease diagnostics and GMO and non-GMO DNA analyses. Other types of analyses also are possible and will be provided as needed by our customers.

The information obtained on sample purity and genetic (genotypic) profiles provide evidence of sample uniformity, which can be vital for developing and maintaining pure breeding stock and producing new high quality grain commodities and products. Genetic profiles frequently are included as part of the description of a newly developed line for Plant Variety Protection (PVP) or patent purposes. Molecular marker loci such as isozyme loci and SSR loci are often used for marker-facilitated selection in plant and animal breeding programs.

To obtain further information about our molecular genetic screening, diagnostics, and GMO / GEP / Transgenic testing and Human Identity Genetics testing services and prices, contact: