Release of genetically modified micro-organisms into the environment

Abstract

Biotechnology in general, and recombinant DNA technology in particular, has the capacity to change the health and wealth of every individual, but like other major advances in science and technology such as nuclear power and electronics it can also be exploited to mankind's detriment. For this reason and the fact that recombinant DNA technology involves altering the molecules encoding life itself, the subject has given rise to a high level of public debate. Centuries of experience with the release of conventional micro-organisms for sewage treatment, agriculture and food production have shown that the release of large numbers of foreign organisms into an environment does not necessarily cause ecological damage. In fact few of these organisms survive for long periods. The threat of horizontal gene transfer from recombinant organisms to indigenous ones is however very real and mechanisms exist whereby, at least theoretically, any genetically engineered trait can be transferred to any prokaryotic organism and many eukaryotic ones. The rapid spread of antibiotic-resistant organisms since the widespread introduction of antibiotics graphically demonstrates that such a threat is real. There have now been several experiments to determine the effect of environmental release of micro-organisms, both in enclosed areas and in unenclosed sites. Proposals for the use of genetically modified micro-organisms that contain specific gene deletions have had a relatively smooth passage through government approval agencies and public enquiries and some products have been approved for commercial use. In addition a strain of bakers' yeast with an altered control element has also been approved for commercial use in the UK. Genetically modified viruses, especially those containing foreign genes have not received such favourable treatment and have been the subject of heated national and international debate. Many microbiologists are convinced, however, that the use and release of carefully constructed genetically engineered organisms will result in significant benefit, but with little risk to the environment. Ecologists, however, are not so sanguine and in the current ‘green’ political atmosphere their opinions are very influential. Thus most developed countries now have in force a series of very cautious regulations and guidelines for the release of genetically modified micro-organisms.