Essentials of Genetics 9th Edition by Michael Palladino William Klug, Michael Cummings, Charlotte Spencer

Exercise 2

Should we worry about recombinant DNA technology?
Early in the 1970s, when recombinant DNA research was first developed, scientists realized that there may be unforeseen dangers, and after a self-imposed moratorium on all such research, they developed and implemented a detailed set of safety protocols for the construction, storage, and use of genetically modified organisms. These guidelines then formed the basis of regulations adopted by the federal government. Over time, safer methods were developed, and these stringent guidelines were gradually relaxed or in many cases, eliminated altogether. Now, however, the specter of bioterrorism has re-focused attention on the potential misuses of recombinant DNA technology. For example, individuals or small groups might use the information in genome databases coupled with recombinant DNA technology to construct or reconstruct agents of disease, such as the smallpox virus or the deadly influenza virus.
Should freely available access to genetic databases, including genomes, and gene or protein sequences be continued, or should it be restricted to individuals who have been screened and approved for such access?