PROBLEMS IN THE INTRODUCTION OF GENETICALLY-ENGINEERED MICROORGANISMSINTO THE ENVIRONMENT

Authors
Citation
K. Gorlach, PROBLEMS IN THE INTRODUCTION OF GENETICALLY-ENGINEERED MICROORGANISMSINTO THE ENVIRONMENT, Acta Microbiologica Polonica, 43(2), 1994, pp. 121-131
Citations number
NO
Categorie Soggetti
Microbiology
ISSN journal
01371320
Volume
43
Issue
2
Year of publication
1994
Pages
121 - 131
Database
ISI
SICI code
0137-1320(1994)43:2<121:PITIOG>2.0.ZU;2-E
Abstract
The use and release of genetically engineered microorganisms (GEMs) in to the environment, usually the agricultural environment, is increasin g exponentially. Potential applications of GEMs include crop productio n, pest management, degradation of environmental pollutants, mining an d mineral recovery, and others. Several strategies of molecular and ce llular biotechnology, such as recombinant DNA techniques, nuclear micr oinjection and cell fusion may be used to modify bacteria and fungi fo r useful purposes. The benefits expected from release of geneticaly en gineered microorganisms, if safely applied, might be substantial in va rious fields. However, a safe introduction of GEMs into the environmen t requires full environmental and ecological risks assessment. Because of the wide scope of genetic engineering targets this review will foc us on the application of GEMs potentially useful in agricultural pract ices (crop nutrition, pest and disease control) and ecological problem s associated with the introduction of alien microorganisms into the en vironment.