The possibility for amplification of a signal is much greater with PCR since the process amplifies its results every time it is allowed to cycle. Immunoassays are limited in the number of tags that can be attached to a single antigen. There is also the risk that the transgenic protein is not being synthesized in large amounts or at all during the collection of the immunoassay samples. PCR, in interacting directly with the DNA, bypasses these risks. Genetically modified foods offer the world new possibilities beyond more nutritious food and better crop yields.
Plans are currently underway to put vaccines in the plants of underdeveloped nations.
Although the concerns of the critics of transgenic food are viable the probability of genetic transfer between higher eukaryotic organisms is incredibly low, there is a much greater chance of natural evolution enabling unwanted plants to develop resistance. Nonetheless, the technology used to detect genetically modified organisms will come of great use to help insure the genes constructed to benefit society are not to its detriment. The development of new tools to quickly identify detrimental genes will also prove invaluable as mankind attempts to tame the dangers already present in our own gene pool. Not only does the detection of transgenic genes keep science in check for today, but also may help to develop a means of quickly identifying any dangerous genes, such as those leading to Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease as we approach a future where they will be correctable. All rights reserved.