Which brands of organic tofu are genetically modified?

Which Brands of Organic Tofu are Genetically Modified?

Supervising teacher

Mrs Popp

Student

Shawn Michael Stuart

School

Alter High School


If five brands of organic tofu are tested, then at least one will be genetically modified, because of cross-pollination and the difficulty of maintaining truly organic crops. The DNA was tested using PCR to replicate the DNA and Gel Electrophoresis to cut and compare the sequence. All tests of Nasoya Organic Firm Tofu yielded negative results. All of the Nasoya Tofu tested as not genetically modified. Simple Truth Organic: Tofu Extra Firm, all tested not genetically modified. Tofu, Organic Extra Firm, tested three times as not genetically modified, however, sample number three had a reading that rendered it questionable, meaning that it was not clear as to whether or not is was genetically modified. House Foods Organic Tofu, “I’m Medium Firm,” tested not genetically modified all four times. Also, 365 Organic Tofu Extra Firm tested not genetically modified in all testing.

Soybeans are self-pollinating, and as such, are unlikely to experience genetic drift, unintended cross-pollination of genetically modified plants with organic plants. Indeed, “pollen dispersal by insects or wind…appears to be limited to very short distances. (gmoanswers.com) A recent study found natural cross-pollination rates between 0.41% and 0.03% for soybeans. (Ray JD soybean natural cross-pollination notes). The low natural cross-pollination between genetically modified and organic soybeans is due to the anatomy of the soybean plant. Soybean flowers contain both male and female parts, and are self-fertile. The male parts include anthers and filaments, and the female parts are stigma, style and ovaries.