TEXAS AGRILIFE EXTENSION SERVICEN PROCEDURES

24.02.02.X1.11 RECOMBINANT DNA RESEARCH
Approved: December 6, 1999
Revised: October 5, 2001
Supplements System Policy 24.02 and System Regulation 24.02.02 with its additional requirements

Federal guidelines require certain safeguards and review for recombinant DNA (rDNA) research. Any research involving rDNA, regardless of the source of funding or source of recombinant material, will follow institutional and federal guidelines.

The Texas A&M University Institutional Biosafety Committee will provide the oversight and review of rDNA research for all units within the System.

Recombinant DNA includes:

A. Molecules constructed outside of living cells by joining natural or synthetic DNA segments to DNA molecules that can replicate in a living cell;

B. DNA molecules that result from the replication of those constructs described above;

C. Whole animals or plants whose genomes have been altered by rDNA techniques or experiments involving viable rDNA-modified microorganisms that are tested on whole animals or plants.

Unit heads will ensure that:

A. All work involving the use of rDNA adheres to the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules [Federal Register, May 11, 1999 (64 FR 25361) and updates].

B. All rDNA research complies with the program "Requirements and Procedures for Research Involving Recombinant DNA at Texas A&M University."

Questions regarding this procedure should be referred to the Texas AgriLife Research/ Texas AgriLife Extension Service Safety Coordinator at 979-862-4038.