Dr. William J. Gartland 
June 12, 1978 
Page 2 
for any kind of genetic exchange between Neurospora and other fungi which are path- 
ogenic. Gene exchange, either in experiments or in nature, is apparently confined 
to closely related species in the same genus, such as N. sitophila, N. intermedia , 
and N. tetrasperma . 
Under these circumstances it seems to me that Neurospora would be a through- 
ly suitable subject for recombinant DNA experiments with the same conditions ap- 
plying as in the case of yeast, i.e., those conditions specified in the memorandum 
dated March 28, 1978 from Dr. Daphne Kamely of your office addressed to Insti- 
tutional Biohazards Committees. In fact, Neurospora should he superior to yeast 
for such experiments since it is an obligate aerobe and unlike yeast, is incapa- 
ble of growth in the human gut. 
I would greatly appreciate your taking this request under advisement and 
would certainly hope that a prompt positive response will be possible. Naturally, 
we are anxious to pursue the experiments which have already been long delayed. 
I am asking some of my colleagues working with Neurospora to write in sup- 
port of this request. I hope you will let me know if there is any more infor- 
mation which you require at this time. 
/ Norman H. Giles 
Callaway Professor of Genetics 
NHG/blq 
[Appendix A — 329] 
