Non-genetic Engineering Method: Somatic Hybridization

In somatic hybridization, cells are grown in culture mediums where their cell walls are degraded by enzymes such as pectinase, cellulase and hemicellulase, forming protoplasts. These protoplasts are gathered from different sources and fused via electrical shock. This cell fusion technique is easily accomplished but few organisms are capable of growing into a whole, sexually-capable organism.

Adapted from: Safety of Genetically Engineered Foods Approaches to Assessing Unintended Health Effects, Institute of Medicine and National Research Council of the National Academies, 2004, The National Academy Press