How Biotechnology Works

The DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) from different organisms is essentially the same — simply a set of instructions that directs cells to make the proteins that are the basis of life. Whether the DNA is from a microorganism, a plant, an animal or a human, it is made from the same materials.

Throughout the years, researchers have discovered how to transfer a specific piece of DNA from one organism to another.

A researcher's first step in transferring DNA is to "cut" or remove a gene segment from a chain of DNA using enzyme "scissors" to cut at a specific site along the DNA strand.

The researcher then uses these "scissors" to cut an opening into the plasmid — the ring of DNA often found in bacteria outside of a cell. Next, the researcher "pastes" or places the gene segment into the plasmid. Because the cut ends of both the plasmid and the gene segment are chemically "sticky," they attach to each other, forming a plasmid containing the new gene. To complete the process, researchers use another enzyme to paste or secure the new gene in place.

Decades of research have allowed Monsanto specialists to apply their knowledge of genetics to improve various crops, such as corn, soybeans, canola, cotton and potatoes.

Our researchers continue to work carefully to ensure that improved crops are the same as current crops, except for the addition of one beneficial trait which, for example, protects them from a particular insect or virus.

"...to maintain the productivity of agriculture, we must continue to improve the agricultural seeds that are used... We are now blessed through research and technology with new methods of actually speeding up the process of improving the seeds and the products we get from them...

Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International and Environmental Scientific Affairs
Melinda Kimble;
May 26, 1999