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Establishing Environmental Hazards of Genetically Engineered Microorganisms

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Book cover Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology

Part of the book series: Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology ((RECT,volume 124))

Abstract

During the 1970s, several techniques were developed that allowed the in vitro fragmentation and rejoining of molecules of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and the placement of these molecules into living cells. Use of these recombinant DNA techniques led to the development of biotechnology, broadly defined as the application of biologial organisms and their products to commercial processes (Office of Technology Assessment [OTA] 1988). Various types of organisms are now being used for biotechnology applications; however, bacteria have been used more than others because of their short generation times, lack of a defined nucleus, and relatively “simple” genetics as compared to eukaryotes. Genetic engineering of microorganisms is used to develop organisms capable of performing specific commercially desired tasks, including producing pesticides and pharmaceuticals, fixing nitrogen, leaching ores, recovering oil, degrading hazardous wastes, and constructing biological control agents for pests or diseases. Biotechnology products will, one hopes, benefit human society.

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Author notes

  1. D. R. Orvos

    Present address: Environmental Research Laboratory, Smithkline Beechum, King of Prussia, PA, 19406, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University Center for Environmental and Hazardous Materials Studies, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061-0415, USA

    John Cairns Jr. & D. R. Orvos

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  1. John Cairns Jr.
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. College of Agriculture, University of Arizona, 85721, Tucson, Arizona, USA

    George W. Ware (Editor) (Editor)

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Cairns, J., Orvos, D.R. (1992). Establishing Environmental Hazards of Genetically Engineered Microorganisms. In: Ware, G.W. (eds) Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, vol 124. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-2864-6_2

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