May 21-23 - MINUTES OF MEETING 
8 
B. Request from Dr. Stephen Farr and 
Dr. Stephen Farrand of Loyola University requested a 
clarification of containment levels for proposed 
experiments with Agrobacterium tumefaciens (664). 
Discussion at the RAC meeting indicated that most 
of the experiments are covered by Section III-B-2 
of the Guidelines concerning return of DNA segments 
to non-HVl host of origin. Since A. tumefaciens 
exchanges genetic information with E. coli , the DNA of 
A. tumefaciens can be introduced in E. coli K-12 under 
Pi + EKl conditions, and the DNA + vector returned to 
A. tumefaciens under PI conditions. 
Ihe only issue, therefore, is whether the subsequently 
transformed A. tumefaciens can be tested on carrot slices 
in tissue culture. Hie RAC recommended that the trans- 
formed bacteria could be introduced into plant fragments 
or cells in culture under PI conditions by a vote of 14 for, 
0 against, with 5 abstentions. The motion as stated by 
Dr. Kutter was as follows: 
"The RAC approves the cloning of A. tumefaciens 
DNA + an EX 2 vector back into A. tumefaciens 
and introducing these transformed bacteria into 
plant fragments or cells in culture under PI 
conditions." 
VI. RAC PROCEDURES 
Dr. Ahmed started a discussion on operating procedures for the RAC. He 
said that there is difficulty in digesting the very technical material 
mailed to RAC members, and suggested that it be presented in a more under- 
standable form. With regard to decision-making, he stated that the RAC 
needs to establish procedures. He also expressed concern about lack of 
clear policy for inviting people to be present at RAC deliberations. In 
the latter case, he and Dr. Parkinson expressed concern about possible 
conflict of interest. The RAC agreed that a working group should be 
appointed to propose procedures for operation of the Committee. 
Dr. Parkinson said that he endorses the preparation of lay summaries by 
scientists submitting items for consideration by the RAC. Dr. Kutter 
made a motion to require, as an interim procedure, a summary in lay 
terms for each agenda item. Dr. Baltimore moved to table the motion. 
[ 103 ] 
