ISSUES AND SCOPE OF THE HEARINGS 
1. General Observations 
Investigators in the field of cell biology now have isolated for labora- 
tory research a series of enzymes which permit the researcher to re- 
arrange with a high degree of precision the molecule containing the 
hereditary unit of the cell (the deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA). 
The newly isolated enzymes permit the investigator to cut the DNA 
molecule at precise locations and to insert into the molecule new bits 
of DNA from other organisms. These newly formed genetic units, 
called DNA recombinant molecules, can then be inserted into a host 
cell, such as a bacterium, where they will multiply along with the 
regular host cell DNA during normal reproduction. This process is 
referred to as cloning the recombinant DNA molecule. Thus far, the 
most frequently used cloning cell has been the K-12 special variant of a 
bacterial species known as Escherichia coli although other host cells 
are available. 
Since several other variants of E. coli are common in the human gut, 
there has been concern that recombinant DNA research might pro- 
duce a pathogen which could become established in human beings. 
Another concern is that new organisms might be released into the 
environment and cause an ecological catastrophe. The potential for 
human engineering has been speculated upon as a futuristic type of 
problem of major social concern. 
There was probably no development in basic research in 1977 which 
aroused more attention than the public debates on what to do about 
DNA recombinant molecule research. Although the recombinant 
DNA technique is basically a sophisticated research tool, tjie debates 
became polarized to such an extent that the ability of society to deal 
with new knowledge was called into question. Although it is difficult to 
separate all of the issues which are submerged in the recombinant DNA 
molecule research debates, the Subcommittee tried to consider such 
topics as: 
* * * demonstrated risks and benefits of DNA recombinant 
molecule research * * * 
* * * speculations concerning the potential threat to evolu- 
tionary processes as a result of interspecies transfer of genes * * * 
* * * need for continued regulation of DNA recombinant mol- 
ecule research and the need for simliar controls over private and 
commercial research * * * 
* * * need for Federal regulation to protect the public health 
and safety from potential hazards from recombinant DNA 
research * * * 
* * * longer-range problems discussed in public debates over re- 
combinant DNA research such as human genetic engineering * * * 
* * * the question of whether the recombinant DNA issue 
presents a serious confrontation between science and the law or 
science and politics * * * 
( 1 ) 
[Appendix B — 52] 
