MORPHOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL COMPARISON OF Bt CORN SEEDLINGS WITH NON TRANSGENIC COUNTERPARTS.

Bt-corn, which is one of the most cultivated transgenic corn lines in the world, can synthesize the Cryl Ab insecticidal protein produced by Bacillus thuringiens subsp. kurstaki bacteria. In this study, possible effects of genetic modifications in genetically modified Bt corn on germination and early seedling the periods were determined. Micronucleus formation, chromosomal aberrations, germination success and morphological characteristics were examined during the germination phase. Stomatal density, pigment content, malondialdehyde and praline contents ofleaves and seedling morphology were examined in the early seedling period. According to the results of this study, Bt corn had a shorter seedling length but larger leaf area. In addition, anthocyanin content and praline levels and anterior and posterior stomata! densities were higher in Bt corn. Consequently, genetic modification did not lead to noticeable changes which may affect the yield. However, the increased levels of anthocyanin and praline in Bt corn indicated an oxidative stress that the plant was able to overcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]