Dr. Gottesman asked for clarification of the term "potent" in 
paragraph 48a of tab 1290 and asked whether this was meant to be 
a change from existing NIH Guidelines. Dr. Fedoroff replied that 
the only changes made to the paragraph were to insert specifica- 
tion of greenhouse conditions for plants containing genes for 
potent vertebrate toxins. Dr. Gottesman said the use of the word 
"potent" was still unclear and could provide problems in the 
future. Dr. Fedoroff asked Dr. Gartland to clarify the wording 
to reflect the conclusions of the plant subgroup. Dr. Gartland 
said that a cross-reference could be added to Section III-A-1 of 
the NIH Guidelines. 
Dr. Davis said he had suggestions for page 7, paragraph 4, of tab 
1290. He said just because something can spread does not assume 
that any harm will take place. He offered the following 
substitute wording for the second sentence of paragraph 4: 
"Biosafety Level 1 for plants (BL1-P) is 
designed to provide a moderate level of 
containment for specific recombinant DNA 
research involving plants and is recommended 
for experiments for which there is convincing 
biological evidence that precludes the 
possibility of survival, transfer, or 
dissemination of the recombinant DNA 
molecules into the environment, or for which 
there is no recognizable and predictable risk 
to the environment in the event of accidental 
release . " 
Dr. Fedoroff said this would be appropriate. 
Dr. Davis said he also had a suggestion to clarify and change 
paragraph 5 on page 8 of tab 1290. The second sentence uses the 
word "minimizes." This would denote using maximum levels of 
containment for all experiments. He suggested the second 
sentence be amended to read: 
"Such facilities and procedures, through 
providing a modified and protected 
environment for propagation of plants and of 
microorganisms associated with the plants, 
also provide a degree of containment that 
adequately controls the potential for release 
of biologically viable plants, plant parts, 
and microorganisms associated with them." 
Dr. Fedoroff agreed the substitution would enhance the meaning of 
the sentence and be what the subgroup had intended. 
Dr. Pirone said he thought paragraph 88 on page 26 contained some 
inconsistencies referring to the BL1-P practices. The sentence 
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Recombinant DNA Research, Volume 13 
