Recombinant DNA Plasmid Transmission to Indigenous Organisms during Waste Treatment

Abstract

The release of genetically engineered microorganisms into the environment will occur because of its importance to industrial and agricultural progress. Since organisms designed for release can be modified to survive only the time necessary for their function, the greatest potential for environmental damage depends upon the capability for mobilization of the genetically engineered DNA sequences (GEDS). Mobilization of GEDS to indigenous wastewater organisms by the process of bacterial conjugation has been demonstrated. This gene transfer, which will occur in a laboratory-scale waste treatment facility (~20 L capacity), depends on the presence of bacteria containing conjugative plasmids, many of which are indigenous to waste water. Sensitive detection of GEDS transfer requires the use of DNA-DNA hybridization. Environmental conditions do affect the frequency of conjugal gene transfer.