I. Introduction 
I am pleased to appear before you today to discuss Federal policies 
concerning Recombinant DNA Research. Specifically, I want to tell you 
about the activities of two organizations — those of the National 
Institutes of Health and of a recently formed Federal Interagency 
Committee — that are relevant to such policy development. 
Recent scientific developments in genetics, particularly in the 
last four years, have culminated in the ability to join together genetic 
materials from different sources in cell-free systems to form recombinant 
DNA molecules. "DNA" — which is the shorthand way of saying "Deoxyribonucleic 
Acid" — is the material that determines hereditary characteristics of all 
known cells. Thus new forms of living material are created with the 
ability to replicate themselves. From testimony already received, you 
will be aware that this new and powerful tool of science has generated 
great hope and excitement, and, concommitantly, many expressions of concern. 
Recombinant DNA research offers great promise for better understanding 
and improved treatment of human diseases. Medical advances through use of 
this technology include the opportunity to explore complicated diseases 
and the functioning of cells, to better understand a variety of hereditary 
defects, and possibly (in the future) to create microorganisms useful in 
producing medically important compounds for the treatment and control of 
disease. Aside from the potential medical benefits, a variety of other 
applications in science and technology are envisioned. An example is the 
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