DMA implanted in it to other microorganisms , which could result 
in the formation of a novel pathogen. 
B. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF RECOMBINANT DNA ACTIVITIES. 
11. A number of hypothetical results have been suggested 
as possibly coming from recombinant DNA research. Whether these 
results can be realized is speculative and they may cause adverse 
environmental impacts or be accompanied by other deleterious 
effects. 
A. The least uncertain result posed may be an 
increased knowledge of basic biologic processes and an 
understanding of some disease states. 
B. Another hypothetical result may be improved food 
production through the endowment of plants with new syn- 
thesis capabilities such as increased photosynthetic fixa- 
tion of carbon dioxide and nitrogen fixation by species 
unable to do so presently, such as cereals. 
C. Another hypothetical result may be the synthesis 
of proteins, such as insulin, and other substances which 
may have medical or industrial applications. 
D. The most speculative result posed is the 
possibility of finding cures for the many forms of cancer. 
12. Each of the hypothetical results may be realizable 
through a number of alternative methods which may be safer, less 
hazardous to the environment and provide more realistic solutions 
to the problems being attacked. 
A. Alternative methods in the search for biologic 
knowledge include traditional techniques or newer technique 
such as DNA synthesis, in which far greater experimental 
control is possible. Another possibility is that certain 
types of knowledge sought may create too great an oppor- 
tunity for malevolent uses, thus suggesting that this line 
of research not bo pursued. 
11. Alternative methods for improving food supplies 
