Creation of many copies of a targeted segment of DNA by the polymerase chain reaction.

 

Determines GMO content from one or more sources. It is useful for determining GMO content in multiple ingredient products, but will not identify the GM species or variety. These tests simultaneously detect approved GMOs from a variety of species by detecting GM DNA sequences present in approved GMOs. The predominant GM DNA sequences are 35S Promoter and NOS Terminator. The 35S/NOSPlus test is able to detect all approved GMOs by the detection of two specific GM DNA sequences present in GMOs not covered by 35S or NOS.

The chemical compound, found in all living organisms, which carries the genetic information that determines an organism's physical traits. DNA constitutes the building blocks from which from which genes are constructed. Every inherited characteristic has its origin somewhere in the code of the organism's complement of DNA.

Immunological method which can be used for the detection of GMOs in foods. While PCR detects the modified gene(s) in a GMO directly, the ELISA method uses antibodies to detect the protein(s) that are expressed by the modified gene(s).

Lateral flow strips utilize the same principles of antibody-antigen binding. Strip tests were designed for rapid analysis of raw commodities, to be run by individuals working in the field, for instance, at a grain elevator, to detect the presence or absence of a protein. These strips provide no quantitative information.

Method using an electrical field which leads to the separation of proteins or DNA fragments based on their size. Smaller proteins or DNA fragments move faster; larger ones slower. Samples are normally placed in the electrical field loaded in a gel-like substance, called agar or agarose.

Protein that facilitates or speeds up certain chemical reactions. Enzymes are used inside of cells to aid in cell growth and reproduction. Enzymes have also been isolated from organisms and used in products like cheese and laundry detergents.

Segment of DNA specifying a unit of genetic information; an ordered sequence of nucleotide base pairs that produce a certain product that has a specific function.

The selective, deliberate alteration of genes (genetic material) by man. This term has come to have a very broad meaning including the manipulation and alteration of the genetic material (constitution) of an organism in such a way as to allow it to produce endogenous proteins with properties different from those of the traditional (historic/typical), or to produce entirely different (foreign) proteins altogether. Some other words often applicable to the same process are gene splicing, gene manipulation, or recombinant DNA technology (techniques).

Entire genetic material in an organism, comprising all chromosomes.

Genetically modified organism, term used to refer to organisms modified by methods of genetic engineering.

Legislators of several countries have satisfied consumer and industry demands by enacting mandatory labeling laws for foods containing ingredients derived from genetically modified crops. To comply with these labeling laws, food manufacturers must be able to document the genetic purity of both GM and non-GM ingredients. This can be accomplished by preserving the identity of a crop from seed to final product, known as Identity Preservation or IP. IP enables the various players in a supply chain to document traceability. This means being able to trace back from the final product to the crops from which ingredients were manufactured.

Traceability is not possible without existing IP systems. They require that manufacturers have a complete understanding of the supply chain for primary and secondary ingredients and blends.