Scientists from Academia Sinica conducted a compositional and proteomic
analyses of biotech broccoli exhibiting improved shelf life and yield. They
used proximate analysis to examine macronutrients, chemical and mineral
constituents as well as anti-nutrient and protein changes of biotech
broccoli and corresponding controls.

Results showed that most of the parameters were comparable between the
biotech broccoli and controls, except for an increase in carbohydrate level
and a reduction in magnesium content in biotech broccoli. Proteomic analysis
showed over 50 protein spots in biotech broccoli at harvest and after
cooking. One third of those proteins are similar with others that are
important in plant defenses against stresses and biological aging.

Biotech broccoli-fed mice exhibited normal growth and immune function. Thus,
the compositional and proteomic changes do not reach a threshold to affect
growth or induce an immune response in mice under normal broccoli feeding.

[www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov] [www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]