Section of Biochemistry, Molecui.ar and Cell Biology 
CORNELL UNIVERSITY 
N.Y.S. College of Agriculture and Life Sciences 
A Statutory College of the State University 
COLLEGE OF ARTS and SCIENCES 
WING HALL, ITHACA, NEW YORK 14853 
Division of Biological Sciences 
December 21, 1979 
Dr. Donald Frederickson 
Director of the National 
Institutes of Health 
Bethesda, Maryland 20205 
Dear Dr. Frederickson: 
We are in favor of adopting the "Proposed Guidelines for Research 
Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules" published in the Federal Register 
on November 30, 1979. 
We are especially pleased to find Section III-O on page 69218 
included in the Proposed Guidelines. Since most recombinant DNA 
experiments use the non-pathogenic and weakened strain of IS. coli 
K-12 as the host, these experiments can be carried out under PI physi- 
cal containment and an Ekl host-vector system without any hazard. A 
lot of unnecessary paper work and delays in recombinant DNA experiments 
will be removed by adopting these Guidelines. 
Sincerely yours 
Ray J . Wu 
Professor and Associate 
Chairman 
Joseph M. Calvo 
Professor 
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