Really? I would think that it could be done, but I'm not sure it would be easy. How would you do it? I would think that this would require very expensive gene sequencing machinery as well as a fair amount of manpower. And more to the point DID they do it? Or did they just assume that what he did was recapture monsanto's previous work (which is most likely)
“Really? I would think that it could be done, but I’m not sure it would be easy. How would you do it? I would think that this would require very expensive gene sequencing machinery as well as a fair amount of manpower. And more to the point DID they do it?”
DNA sequencing is now so easy and cheap it can be done in-house or contracted to dedicated sequencing companies. We are to the point where an entire human sequence can be done for < $1000.
IIRC the gene for round up resistance was genetically inserted into the plant genome so they know exactly where it is and its sequence. They likely also modified its control region (like an on/off) switch. If it is patented all that info is in the patent. As far as whether they selected for the gene or took it from a resistant plant that will also be in the patent. You can theoretically select resistance as you described but if it so easy everyone would have done it already.
They don’t need to “sequence” A LOT. Only the presence or absence of specific gene (or genes) that Monsanto has the IP on.
The process is easy and much much cheaper (relatively speaking) than the lawyers’ fee.