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Scientists in Potsdam, Germany, and Cardiff, England, say there`s little
difference between genetically produced potatoes and conventional varieties,
September 2005.

Researchers say the two types of potatoes only differ in substances
intentionally incorporated with gene technology.

The conclusion was reached by scientists at the Max Planck Institute of
Molecular Plant Physiology in Potsdam, Germany, and colleagues from the
University of Wales in England.

The scientists compared genetically modified Desiree potatoes with five
conventional varieties.

The main results of the study showed substances in the Agria, Desiree,
Granola, Linda and Solara varieties exhibit a surprising range of variation.
The genetically modified lines from the Desiree variety lie within the same
of range of variation except for a higher content of inulin polysaccharides.
There was no evidence of any new, unexpected substances.

Two different genes for the formation of insulin sugars were introduced into
the GM potatoes since polysaccharides have a beneficial effect on human
intestinal flora.

The analyses of nearly 2,800 potato specimens was financed by British Food
Standards Agency.

The study is detailed in the Sept. 19 online early edition of the
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

[science.monstersandcritics.com]

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