4 
might wish to examine the question of expression of antibiotic resistance 
genes by plants. Dr. Scandalios said the question of spread of herbicide 
resistance genes is also important and should be considered. He suggested 
other plant specialists might be polled to determine if there are other con- 
cerns. Cr. Martin asked if a scenario existed for the spread of antibiotic 
resistance genes in plants and to animals. Cr. Tolin said she did not know of 
any mechanism of transfer. Dr. Nightingale asked if the statement that "genes 
in plant genomes are contained" is accurate, and if this can be used to redefine 
the idea of containment in plants. Cr. Scandalios suggested the working group 
might also evaluate questions concerning mitochondrial and chloroplast CNA. 
Cr. Gottesman questioned whether any introduced bioengineered species might 
became a pest and suggested this be considered. She asked Dr. Tolin if any 
introduced plant species have became problems. Dr. Tolin cited the example of 
Johnson grass. She said some introduced species have became pests following 
hybridization with native plants. Dr. Scandalios suggested the question of 
potential spread of the aflatoxin gene should be considered. He and Dr. Tolin 
suggested that an agricultural working group be called "Plants and Associated 
Organisms Working Group." 
Status of RAC Subcommittees. 
Dr. Nightingale said that the RAC charter currently authorizes three subcommittees 
and an indeterminant number of working groups. The working groups are consti- 
tuted by the RAC chairman to serve a specific function and dissolved when no 
longer necessary. Ihe subcommittees on the other hand are standing ccrrmittees. 
She noted that two of the three subcommittees have not met for some time; 
furthermore, no issues will be placed before them in the foreseeable future. She 
wondered if some of the more pertinent working groups might not be substituted 
for . these two subcommittees. She suggested the Working Group on Revision of 
the Guidelines and the Plants and Associated Ctganisms Working Group might 
replace the Host-Phage and the Host-Plasmid Subcommittees. 
IBC Functioning. 
Dr. Nightingale said ORCft had solicited responses from IBC chairpersons 
concerning: 
o problems with the revised guidelines; 
o what things are taking large amounts of time; 
o what things are taking inappropriate amounts of time; 
o in what areas do IBC chairpeople disagree with the RAC with 
regard to containment for a particular experiment; 
o in what ways are the Guidelines too stringent or too relaxed; 
o how frequently does the IBC meet; 
o does the IBC have other responsibilities at the institution. 
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