REPORT OF THE HEARINGS* 
I. The Biology of DNA Recombinant Molecule RFsriARca 
A. INTRODUCTION 
About five years ago, investigators in the field of cell biology dis- 
covered and made available for laboratory research a series of enzymes 
which permit the researcher to cut with precision the molecule con- 
taining the hereditary units Which control the reproduction and furit- 
tioning of a cell. This molecule, knbWn as deoxyribonucleic acid Or 
DNA, long a subject of intense study, now is chemically accessible 
for detailed examination. The enzymes permit the investigator to cut' 
'the molecule at precise locations, and to insert into the molecule 1 new 
bits of DNA from ahy other organism. These newly formed DNA; 
molecules, called recombinant DNA molecules, can then be reinserted 
into a host cell and will multiply as the 1 host cell (or cloning celiy 
divides in its normal reproductive processes. The most frequently Used 
cloning cell has been a special variant of a bacterium common in the 
human intestine known as Escherichid coli although Other host Cells 
are available. This ability to transfer, with precision, small units' of 
DNA from one species to another, is one of the must exciting scientific 
developments in this century, for it offers the potential for identifying 
many aspects of the DNA regulatory mechanisms for which knowledge 
was not readily available by more traditional techniques in biochem- 
istry and genetics. 
Origin of the Technique 
Chairman Thornton pointed out in his opening statement that the 
work which established the basic molecular structure of the hereditary 
units of the cell opened the door to this vast neW field of research; 
The molecular definition of the basic structure of DNA in 1953 led to 
the accelerating accumulation of knowledge, including the appearance 
of the DNA recombinant molecule research technique, which in turn 
is leading toward the capability to manipulate the very fundamental 
biological controls of life. These new developments have produced an 
unexpected and almost unparalleled public interest in biomedical' Re- 
search. This interest has been expressed both! in support of and oppo- 
sition to the continuation of this line of investigation. This public 
involvement has induced an intense interest in the! evaluation of 
science policies for basic research including not only the justifications 
for public funding fOr such research but also an examination of the 
long-term moral, legal, and ethical implications of basic research which 
offers the potential for eventual direct and precise control and possible 
intervention in the hereditary characteristics of man. In the first series 
*For the complete record of the hearings see: U.S. Congress, HouSe, Committee’ on Science and; Tech- 
nology. Subcomommittee on Science Research and Technology, Science Policy Implication of DNA Re- 
combinant Molecule Research . [Washington, U.S. Gov’t. Print. Office]. March 29, SO, 31, Af>ril27, 28;' 
3, 4, 5, 25, 26; September 7 and 8, 1977. 1293 p. (96th Congress, 1st' session. House) [No. 26]. 
(15) 
21 - 754—78 4 
[Appendix B — 65] 
