biological containment

biological containment

Any measure used to prevent the replication of recombinant DNA in microorganisms in nature and confine genetically engineered organisms to the lab, by creating biological barriers that prevent their growth outside. Biocontainment strategies include using vectors and host organisms that have been modified to minimise their survival outside of the laboratory.

Segen's Medical Dictionary. © 2012 Farlex, Inc. All rights reserved.

biological containment

Steps taken to prevent the free replication of laboratory-produced recombinant DNA in the natural environment. A principal method is to use vectors and hosts that have been so modified that they will not survive outside the laboratory.

Collins Dictionary of Medicine © Robert M. Youngson 2004, 2005

biological containment

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biological containment

methods of protecting the environment from potentially dangerous experimental laboratory organisms. Host ORGANISMS and their VECTORS used in GENETIC ENGINEERING are often developed with special characteristics to enable them to be contained biologically. This may involve the introduction of MUTATIONS that partly disable the organism and vector, thus preventing survival in the natural environment should they escape from the laboratory For example, the host may require certain nutrients that are available in the laboratory but not in the natural environment; it may be sensitive to UV irradiation, or to BILE salts (found in the human GUT); while the vector may be prevented from transferring to other organisms in the environment should it be released. Controllable SUICIDE GENES may be introduced into an organism in such a way that their EXPRESSION can be activated, when the need arises, in order to eliminate the organism.

Collins Dictionary of Biology, 3rd ed. © W. G. Hale, V. A. Saunders, J. P. Margham 2005