Release of Genetically Engineered and Other Microorganisms

The release of genetically engineered microorganisms (GEMs) into the environment is possibly the single most controversial aspect of applied biology. Areas of research directly relevant to this topic are fully discussed and some aspects of the use of specially selected un-engineered bacteria and fungi are covered. A series of chapters then deals with points important to the release of all types of bacteria, especially aspects of gene transfer and survival. The final chapters discuss specific case-histories of some of the known releases of GEMs. The book concludes with the likely concerns and reactions of legislature of various countries to the issues raised by this branch of biotechnology. By setting the consequences of the release of GEMs into the historical context of the release of unaltered organisms, the international contributors and editors of this title have also created a state-of-the-art account of work in the forefront of their field.