14 
between laboratory, growth chamber, and greenhouse, at physically 
separated locations provided: (1) plants are in a vegetative 
condition, i.e., no reproductive organs or structures, (e.g., 
pollen, f lcwsrs, seeds) are present; (2) plants are kept in an 
enclosed area or container (i.e., waterproof, insect-restrictive); 
and (3) plants are essentially 'hand-couriered' between locations." 
Dr. Tolin said most of the preposed language was developed by reference 
to earlier versions of the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant 
CNA Molecules. Dr. Tolin explained that language pertaining to the growth 
of plants in greenhouses or growth chambers had appeared in earlier versions 
of the Guidelines but is not present in the current June 1, 1983, version 
(47 FR 24556). The proposed language published in the January 5, 1984 
(49 FR 696), Federal Register, is based on this earlier language. 
Dr. Tolin said language referring to transport was added to the proposed 
description. Dr. Tolin felt these transport specifications were consistent 
with PI containment conditions. 
Dr. Tolin said two comments concerning this proposal had been received: 
one content was received from BioTechnica International, Inc., and another 
from Genetics Institute. Both letters expressed the opinion that the 
requirement for positive or negative air pressure depending on whether or 
not airborne prcpagules were generated was superfluous. Dr. Tolin said 
that in response to these comments, she would prepose that the second 
sentence of the preposed language be deleted. That sentence reads as 
follows: 
"The greenhouse or growth chamber should be under positive air 
pressure unless airborne prcpagules are generated (e.g. 
fungal spores) in which case negative air pressure should 
be enployed." 
In addition, she preposed that the third sentence be modified to read as 
follows: 
"Control of airflow and sterilization of run-off water is 
required only where this is a plausible route for dissemination 
of viable microorganisms containing recombinant CNA." 
Dr. Friedman moved that RAC recommend the preposed language as amended. 
Dr. Vidaver concurred, and Dr. Fedoroff seconded the motion. 
Dr. Fedoroff questioned the language restricting the time when plants may 
be transported to the vegetative state. She thought investigators would 
be most likely to wish to transport plants at the time they were not in a 
vegetative state but rather when they were in a reproductive condition. 
She reasoned that recombinant DNA in certain cases would be introduced 
into the plant by pollen; and the investigator would then wish to 
transport the plant. Dr. Tolin said she had proposed limiting the periods 
when plants might be transported in order to minimize dispersal of the 
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