Similarly, preliminary word on the Martin-Rowe 
experiments suggests both positive and negative 
implications concerning the potential risks of 
certain cloned DNAs . (Again, we are unable to 
make definite statements since the results have yet 
to be published.) On the positive side, the work 
of Drs . Martin and Rowe indicates that polyoma DNA 
inserted into a plasmid is not infectious . On the 
negative side, their initial results show that polyoma 
DNA cloned in E. coli retains its infectivity in 
the linear form. (The DNA was administered orally 
and by injection.) Thus, as long as the DNA is 
in a circular form it is non-infectious , but a chance 
cut in the plasmid could render it infectious I 
The question of the hazards associated with 
recombinant DNA experiments is extremely complicated. 
The expert community do themslves and the public a 
disservice by oversimplifying the known facts and 
proclaiming safety from risk in the absence of positive 
and published experimental evidence. 
[A-186] 
