Primers to EDNRB were EDF 5′-GGA TGA AGC AAG CAG ATT CGC A-3′ and EDR 5′-TGC ATG CGA AAC GGT CCC AAT A-3′ and amplified a 383 bp product between exons 1 and 3. Primers were designed to be cDNA specific, and were confirmed as such by the absence of any specific amplification in a control genomic DNA reaction.
However, if this explanation is correct, why was EDF surprised?
Among the candidates are EDF's partner, Guangdong Nuclear, and another Chinese company.
It has called on the British government to support new nuclear plants to speed their construction.One way to keep costs down could be for EDF to encourage competition among reactor suppliers by abandoning its reflexive use of the EPR.
"Nuclear new build is already behind the curve; we cannot afford further delay and it is vital for EDF to make a final investment decision now," it adds.
This is dwarfed by the £2.8bn a year reported to be required by EDF to support new nuclear power which, it has emerged, is more costly than any form of wind generation.
While Cameron and Osborne had been waiting for EDF to give the green light to the project, May indicated that the final decision would be for the UK government, with one insider suggesting that September was talked about as a date for that decision.
The college has been working with EDF to inform young people about nuclear energy, and the British Nuclear Energy Society, a lobbying and educational body, has visited to talk about potential careers.
Gérard Mestrallet, the chief executive, did, however, confirm that GDF Suez was keen to be a player in Britain's nuclear energy market, where the government is courting French rival EDF to buy British Energy.
EDF is hoping to extend the life of its reactors to 60 years.
