Pocket K on Marker Free GM Plants

Selectable marker genes, usually antibiotic and herbicide resistance genes, are vital to the research and development of genetically modified (GM) crops. However, these genes may not be required in mature plants, especially when they are cultivated in fields. The presence of selectable marker genes in GM crops has caused considerable public concern about the safety of GM food consumption and transgenic crop cultivation, albeit no study has provided any evidence that these markers may pose risks to human and animal health.

Besides minimizing public concerns, the absence of marker genes could also reduce the cost of GM crop development and lessen the need for time-consuming safety evaluations. Scientists have developed numerous techniques either to avoid or get rid of marker genes. These methods are discussed in a new Pocket K entitled Marker Free GM Plants. Technologies such as co-transformation, alternative selection markers, site-specific recombination, and transposon deletion are discussed.

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Pocket Ks are Pockets of Knowledge, packaged information on crop biotechnology products and related issues produced by the Global Knowledge Center on Crop Biotechnology of the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications.