How can recombinant DNA technology be a threat?
The potential danger associated with use of recombinant DNA technology is becoming a prominent issue. When recombinant DNA is produced there is the possibility that perilous new pathogens might be created or there is the possibility that hazardous cells might be transferred into bacteria or viruses. In an attempt to prevent all this, a set of guidelines as formal regulations were adopted by the US and other countries in the 1980’s. The new regulations were intended to protect laboratory personnel from infection and to prevent microbes from accidentally leaving the lab. As a precautionary measure all microorganisms involved in genetic work has been genetically crippled to ensure they cannot survive outside of the lab. There has been a growing concern on genetically modified organisms used as food. In 1999 the European Union prohibited the production of new genetically modified crops and in 2000, 130 countries agreed on a protocol that requires exporters to declare if the crops they are
