Department of Biology
Techniques that are covered by the regulations
The following techniques are covered by the definition of genetic modification and require registration:
- recombinant DNA techniques involving the formation of new combinations of genetic material by the insertion of nucleic acid molecules, produced by whatever means outside an organism, into any virus, bacterial plasmid or other vector system and their incorporation into a host organism in which they do not naturally occur but in which they are capable of continued propagation.
- techniques involving the direct introduction into an organismof DNA or RNA prepared outside an organism, including micro-injection, macro-injection and micro-encapsulation
- cell fusion and hybridisation techniques where live cells with new combinations of heritable genetic material are formed through the fusion of two or more cells by means of methods that do not occur naturally.
Please note, however, that it is not the techniques which are controlled but activities involving the GMOs which are created using the techniques. Such activities include the creation of the GMO.