The Beginnings of Genetic Engineering

The formation of recombinant DNA requires specific scission of a sequence of double-stranded DNA with formation of complementary sticky ends that may then he chemically combined. 

Growing concern over potential dangers of genetic engineering led scientists to call a special and unprecedented conference in February 1975 at the Asilomar Conference Center in Pacific Grove, Calif. The 

Asilomar Conference developed voluntary restrictions on certain types of research, for example the insertion of cancer genes into the DNA of E. coli, the ubiquitous bacteria in the human digestive tract. In 1976, the NIH enacted formal rules and guidelines. 

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