If they have the same nutrients as naural food what else do gmos have in them? What else will get absorbed into our system? You claim that bug resistant genes wont hurt us but our bodies will still be absorbing this. If its not beneficial what is it? I dont think you guys know what may happen. This is just a quick fix. To you, 20 years of research is a long time but for evolution its rather quick.

Expert response from Laura Privalle, Ph.D.

Global Head Regulatory Field Study Coordination, BASF

Friday, 30/10/2015 14:08

Thanks for your question.  I thought I would share some information specifically on your point regarding bug resistant genes.   

In the case of bug resistant genes, the plant has a new gene introduced into its DNA.  This additional piece of DNA is just like the DNA the plant already has, but gives the plant additional information that lets it protect itself from the bug. This new information allows the plant to make a protein that it didn’t know how to make before. This protein allows the plant to be protected from specific insect pests.  All proteins are composed of the same amino acids and when consumed, they are digested (broken down) into these amino acids, which are then absorbed by the consumer who in turn uses them to produce his or her own proteins.  This new protein is just the same in its ability to be broken down and its amino acids absorbed.

There are only a few specific insects that are sensitive to these kinds of proteins (called Bt proteins). Humans, animals and many other insects are not.  First approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1961, these Bt proteins have been applied for many years to the outside of the plant by farmers and is a mainstay for organic growers.  By allowing the plant to produce them, their effectiveness is increased because they are not as exposed to sunlight and they are already there when/if the insect takes a bite of the plant.  

You are right that these GMO products have the same nutrients as conventional food and confirmation of this is required prior to commercialization.

Expert response from Laura Privalle, Ph.D.

Global Head Regulatory Field Study Coordination, BASF

Friday, 30/10/2015 14:08

Thanks for your question.  I thought I would share some information specifically on your point regarding bug resistant genes.   

In the case of bug resistant genes, the plant has a new gene introduced into its DNA.  This additional piece of DNA is just like the DNA the plant already has, but gives the plant additional information that lets it protect itself from the bug. This new information allows the plant to make a protein that it didn’t know how to make before. This protein allows the plant to be protected from specific insect pests.  All proteins are composed of the same amino acids and when consumed, they are digested (broken down) into these amino acids, which are then absorbed by the consumer who in turn uses them to produce his or her own proteins.  This new protein is just the same in its ability to be broken down and its amino acids absorbed.

There are only a few specific insects that are sensitive to these kinds of proteins (called Bt proteins). Humans, animals and many other insects are not.  First approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1961, these Bt proteins have been applied for many years to the outside of the plant by farmers and is a mainstay for organic growers.  By allowing the plant to produce them, their effectiveness is increased because they are not as exposed to sunlight and they are already there when/if the insect takes a bite of the plant.  

You are right that these GMO products have the same nutrients as conventional food and confirmation of this is required prior to commercialization.