02-26-2015, 08:48 PM
Thanks to RainyJim for the nice plasmid overview! I'm still sticking with 'GMO' for convenience and familiarity though 
The bacteria used for transformation via plasmid transfer are normally critically weakened and unable to survive outside the lab. Of course, China may not be following best practices or overly concerned about environmental protections.
Having made my share of GMO bacteria via plasmid transfer (it's a standard biochem technique you learn third year or so, not something abby normal from Young Frankenstein) I still favor GMO labelling simply as a matter of consumer choice.
Given that the US does not have a pre-market testing process like the one used by Japan to evaluate Hawaii's GMO papaya, labelling allows for an informed choice for those that care. How is that a bad thing?
The bacteria used for transformation via plasmid transfer are normally critically weakened and unable to survive outside the lab. Of course, China may not be following best practices or overly concerned about environmental protections.
Having made my share of GMO bacteria via plasmid transfer (it's a standard biochem technique you learn third year or so, not something abby normal from Young Frankenstein) I still favor GMO labelling simply as a matter of consumer choice.
Given that the US does not have a pre-market testing process like the one used by Japan to evaluate Hawaii's GMO papaya, labelling allows for an informed choice for those that care. How is that a bad thing?