Dr. Gottesman noted that deletions, etc., are already exempt in Section III-D 
unless they also fall under Section III-A. An alternative approach would 
be to broaden "b" and "c" in the revised Section III-A-2. 
Dr. Vidaver suggested that the word "foreign" be added to the current 
definition in (i) in Section I-B. It was pointed out that- "foreign" would 
have to be defined in a footnote. 
Dr. Riley withdrew her motion, and Dr. Gottesman then moved that the following 
possible changes in the definition of recombinant DNA be presented to the 
RAC for consideration: 
1. The first paragraph of Section I-B would be revised to read as follows 
(new words in underlined): 
"In the context of these Guidelines, recombinant ENA molecules are 
defined as either: (i) molecules which are constructed outside 
living cells by joining foreign natural or foreign synthetic ENA 
segments to DNA molecules that can replicate in a living cell, or 
(ii) ENA molecules that result fran the replication of those 
described in (i) above. 
2. The following new footnote would be added: 
"Rearrangements involving the introduction of DNA from different organisms 
or different strains of an organism will be considered recombinant ENA. 
Deletions, sirgl e-base changes, and rearrangements within a single gencme 
will not involve the introduction of foreign ENA and therefore would 
not be considered recombinant DNA." 
Several members expressed reservations about changing the definition of 
recanbinant DNA and the rationale for such a fundamental change in the 
NIH Guidelines. The vote on the motion was 5 in favor, 2 opposed, and 3 
abstentions. 
The working group then voted on the proposal itself, i.e., on the desirability 
of making these proposed changes in Section I-B and the addition of a 
footnote. The vote was 2 in favor, 5 opposed, and 3 abstentions. 
After further discussion, Dr. Gottesman moved the following: 
"The working group agreed with the concept that certain types of 
recombinant DNA experiments which do not involve the introduction of 
foreign ENA need not be subjected to special regulation as 'recombinant 
DNA.' The vrorking group were split as to whether they preferred dealing 
with this problem by changing the definition of recombinant ENA or by 
further modifications of the exemptions (e.g., those in III-A-2). 2 
■^Executive Secretary's Note: The latter part of this sentence was changed by 
NIH staff to read: "...or by further modifications of other sections of the 
Guidelines (e.g., those in III-A-2)." in the version published for comment 
in the Federal Register of December 19, 1986 (51 FR 45650). 
Recombinant DNA Research, Volume 1 1 
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