Zhu Wei: Deputy Director and Researcher of the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Member of the "863" Expert Committee on Agricultural High-tech Fields. His major research areas include: biotechnology, plant genomics, transgenic crop breeding and its safety.
“Compared with traditional crops grown by humans and cultivated for thousands of years, the emergence of genetically modified crops has only been more than 20 years. For such a new thing, there are some doubts in the society that are completely understandable.†Genetics and Development of the Chinese Academy of Sciences In an interview with reporters recently, Zhu Yan, a deputy director of the Institute of Biology, said: “As long as people have sufficient knowledge of genetically modified crops, it is not difficult to conclude that genetically modified foods can be eaten with confidence.â€
Transgenic breeding technology and traditional breeding technology are essentially the same thing.
“Since the cultivation of crops by humans, our ancestors have never stopped the genetic improvement of crops.†Zhu Xi said that traditional breeding techniques mainly through artificial hybridization and naturally occurring mutations, to produce new varieties of crops through artificial selection .
“The invention of genetically modified technology has provided a broader approach for humans to improve crops.†Zhu Xi told reporters that genes refer to a sequence of DNA (DNA) that carries genetic information. All traits of organisms are genetically determined. . The so-called transgenic technology is to extract the genes containing specific genetic information from an organism and then transfer them to the recipient organism so that the latter produces a directional and stable genetic change and form a new species. He explained that compared with traditional breeding techniques, transgenic breeding technology has the following characteristics:
First of all, the exchange of genetic material of traditional breeding techniques can only be carried out between the same species. For example, wheat can only be carried out in wheat. Transgenic technology breaks this restriction and can be carried out between different species.
Second, the traditional breeding technology operates on the entire genome, and it is impossible to accurately select a certain gene. The transgenic technology transfers a well-defined gene, and the traits shown by offspring can be accurately predicted.
“It can be seen that transgenic technology is the development and supplement of traditional technologies, and it is more accurate, safe and controllable; it will only change the genetic characteristics of crops such as resistance to insects and stress, and it will not change the genetic laws of crops. â€
Transgenic Crops Must Pass 4 Passes for Commercialization Promotion
"Any kind of genetically modified crops must be evaluated and approved in four stages from the establishment of research projects to the promotion of large areas." Zhu Xi said that after the GM crops are cultivated, they must undergo intermediate trials, environmental releases, and production trials. Phase monitoring and evaluation. "Each stage takes about two years, and special personnel perform according to certain standards. The contents of monitoring and evaluation include the traits of the crop itself, the impact on the ecological environment, etc."
Zhu Xi told reporters that after the completion of these three phases, the results should be submitted to the Ministry of Agriculture for approval. The Ministry of Agriculture will organize all the experts to carry out a comprehensive assessment and obtain commercial licenses before it can be widely promoted. Up to now, China has not yet obtained commercial licenses for genetically modified crops.
"For genetically modified foods, it is all about having the relevant authorities in the country conduct a full range of tests: food composition, food toxicity, mutagenic effects, allergic reactions, etc. The comprehensive and rigorous level of detection of genetically modified food exceeds any food."
Marking genetically modified foods just to satisfy consumers’ right to know
“There is a saying in society: After people eat genetically modified foods, the genetic modification will be absorbed by the body, which will lead to potential risks. In fact, this is completely a misunderstanding.†Zhu Xi explained that any kind of animal or plant origin Foods themselves contain 30,000-50,000 genes. Genetically modified foods are only one or two more than the original food. The nature of the transgene is exactly the same as the physicochemical properties of other genes. When all these genes enter the human body, they are digested into individual nucleotides and no longer contain any genetic information. "For thousands of years, humans have eaten food and plant foods. There is no problem. This is the reason."
As for the labeling of genetically modified foods, Zhu Xi said that some countries do not require it, some countries are optional, and some countries are mandatory. "The identification of genetically modified foods does not mean that it is unsafe, it merely satisfies the public's right to know and choose."
"Genetically modified crops can be roughly divided into three stages: the first stage is mainly to develop insect-resistant and herbicide-resistant crops to increase production and lower input; the second stage is to develop quality improvements to make genetically modified foods richer and more nutritious. The third stage is the development of functional and therapeutic foods such as diabetes, cardiovascular patients and special foods for people who lose weight.†Zhu Xi said with a smile, “At this stage, I am afraid that consumers will actively request identification. "(End) (Zhao Yongxin)