Maize: Horizontal gene transfer not significant

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It is often feared that antibiotic-resistance genes from genetically modified crops could transfer to bacteria, leading to certain antibiotics becoming ineffective. Scientists from France and Switzerland have examined the soil bacteria in a field on which Bt maize had been grown for ten years. They conclude that transgenic plants play no role in the spread of antibiotic resistance.

• Ten years of Bt maize cultivation: Horizontal gene transfer of no significance

 

Horizontal gene transfer:
Do bacteria absorb plant genes?

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Bacteria have the ability to exchange genetic material with other bacteria – even across species boundaries. But can they also absorb plant DNA? If so, bacteria could also use genes that have been inserted into genetically modified plants. These could include the antibiotic-resistance genes used as markers in many genetically modified plants.

Yet all research projects that have dealt with this issue have come to the same conclusion: although horizontal gene transfer is possible in theory, it is an extremely rare event.

Results

• Horizontal gene transfer: overview of research projects and results

• "Selection pressure is critical." Interview with Kornelia Smalla

Background

• Do bacteria absorb plant genes?

• Antibiotic-resistance genes as markers: once necessary, now undesirable

 

Poplars: Do Agrobacteria pass on genes?

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Transgenic poplars are produced with the help of the soil bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The bacterium serves as a transporter, inserting the desired genetic information into the plant cell. A current biosafety research project is investigating whether gene transfer could occur between Agrobacteria and other bacteria living in the plant tissue.

Research info:

• Current biosafety research project: Transgenic poplars: Is horizontal gene transfer from Agrobacteria to endophytic bacteria possible? BFH Waldsieversdorf

Background:

• Agrobacteria - Transfer of genetic information to other bacteria?

 

Agrobacterial transformation:
Is it safe?

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The soil bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens can transfer segments of its plasmid DNA to the genome of plants. Researchers make use of the bacterium’s ability when producing transgenic plants. Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research in Cologne and at the University of Bielefeld have discovered that other DNA segments can be transferred from the Agrobacteria to the plant genome in addition to the plasmid DNA. Have they uncovered a safety hole? GMO Safety speaks to Bernd Weisshaar of the University of Bielefeld.

• "An important driving force for evolution". Agrobacteria: Natural interspecies gene exchange (10/2008)