Molecular marker systems for detection of genetically engineered micro-organisms in the environment.

Recent research into the commercial exploitation of genetically engineered micro-organisms (GEMs) in the environment, for bioremediation and improvement of plant growth and protection, has raised concerns regarding associated potential risks. This in turn has led to legislation regarding environmental release of GEMs such that detailed information on their ecology and environmental impact must be provided before approval for release is granted. Assessment of environmental impact and of risks associated with environmental release of GEMs requires knowledge of microbial survival, growth, activity and dispersal within the environment and of the persistence of recombinant DNA and its transfer to the indigenous microflora. It is therefore necessary to detect and quantify concentrations of total, viable, culturable and nonculturable inoculum cells, to measure their actual and potential activities and to determine the presence and expression of recombinant DNA in the progeny of inocula and in indigenous organisms.