Recombinant DNA technology involves combining genetic material from different sources thereby creating genetically modified organisms (GMOs) that may have never existed in nature before. Initially there was concern among molecular biologists that such organisms might have unpredictable and undesirable properties that could represent a biohazard if they escaped from the laboratory. This concern became the focus of a scientific conference held in Asilomar, CA, USA, in 1975 (45).
At that meeting, safety issues were discussed and the first guidelines for recombinant DNA technology were proposed. The subsequent 25+ years of research experience have demonstrated that genetic engineering may be conducted in a safe manner when an appropriate risk assessment is performed and adequate safety measures are used.
Recombinant DNA technology or genetic engineering was first used to clone DNA segments in bacterial hosts in order to overexpress specific gene products
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Modification of normal genes may alter pathogenicity. In an attempt to identify these potential hazards, the following points may be considered (the list is not exhaustive). 1. Is there an increase in infectivity or pathogenicity? 2. Could any disabling mutation within the recipient be overcome as a result of the insertion of the foreign gene? 3. Does the foreign gene encode a pathogenicity determinant from another organism? 4. If the foreign DNA does include a pathogenicity determinant, is it foreseeable that this gene could contribute to the pathogenicity of the GMO? 5. Is treatment available? 6. Will the susceptibility of the GMO to antibiotics or other forms of therapy be affected as a consequence of the genetic modification? 7. Is eradication of the GMO