Showing 1-1 of 1 Responses

Answer by labsupport on question Genetic modification of bacteria

Submitted by sat on 13 March 2019

Answer reviewed 10 February 2023

Science ASSIST has developed a comprehensive document called Guidelines for Best Practice for Microbiology in Australian Schools see GUIDELINES for best practice for microbiology in Australian schools. We strongly recommend you download this document as it discusses in detail the underpinning knowledge and laboratory techniques required for schools to successfully prepare, deliver and disassemble microbiology practical activities.

Genetic modification of bacteria

The genetic modification of bacteria uses recombinant DNA technology. The methodology used is quite detailed and can involve the use of bacterial transformation where a DNA segment from one organism is incorporated into another to express new genetic information, or the use of certain substances to switch on or off specific genes. These processes have many safety aspects to consider and significant legislative implications as per the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR).

Suitability of these activities for schools

It is important for schools to be aware of the risks and safety issues regarding the microbiological aspects of these activities and the rules and regulations of the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR). Schools are also advised to check if the required techniques and procedures are allowed in their jurisdiction/school sector and conduct a site-specific biological risk assessment before proceeding to work with any microorganisms.

Science ASSIST places the use of commercial microbiology kits in its School microbiology Level 4 (medium to high risk) category as it includes advanced work using subculturing by students, the use of selective media, incubation temperatures above 30°C and/or other specialised manipulations of microorganisms. These procedures do not align with most school jurisdictional policies and require a much higher level of staff training and increased student supervision.

The inclusion of microbiology activities in text books does not guarantee that they are permitted in your jurisdiction.

Science ASSIST recognises that schools have an interest in these types of activities, and we recommend that schools consider excursions to laboratories that have appropriately trained staff and suitable facilities.

Legal requirements:

In Australia, the Gene Technology Act 2000 and the Gene Technology Regulations 2001, along with state laws have been developed to protect the health and safety of people and the environment through regulating certain dealings and activities using genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

The Australian Government has within the Department of Health & Aging established the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) which has legislative power to regulate and enforce requirements under the Gene Technology Act 2000 where work involving certain dealings with gene technology is being undertaken. All dealings with genetically modified organisms (GMOs) must be licensed, notified or exempt by law.

For information on activities regarding GMOs in schools, see

Important considerations before conducting this activity

Science ASSIST recommends that if schools decide to go ahead with this type of activity that a detailed biological risk analysis and assessment needs to be conducted taking the following into consideration:

Legal obligations

This activity involves genetically modifying bacteria, which can have significant legislative implications as per the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR). Although many kits marketed to secondary schools are considered exempt dealings, there are still obligations to ensure that

Facilities:

Staff training:

Microorganisms used:

Activity/manipulations:

Staff/student health:

Work Practices for exempt dealings2:

References:

1 Office of the Gene Technology Regulator, (2021 November), GMOs in Schools, Retrieved from the Australian Government, Department of Health and Aged Care, Office of the Gene Technology Regulator website: https://www.ogtr.gov.au/resources/publications/gmos-schools

2 Office of the Gene Technology Regulator, (2011 September), ‘Guidance Notes for the Containment of Exempt Dealings’ Retrieved from the Australian Government, Department of Health and Aged Care, Office of the Gene Technology Regulator website: https://www.ogtr.gov.au/resources/publications/guidance-notes-containment-exempt-dealings

American Society for Microbiology, (2019). ‘Guidelines for Biosafety in Teaching Laboratories, Retrieved from the American Society for Microbiology website, https://asm.org/Guideline/ASM-Guidelines-for-Biosafety-in-Teaching-Laborator

American Society for Microbiology. (nd). Biosafety for at-Home or DIY Microbiology Lab Kits, Retrieved (9 February 2023) from the American Society for Microbiology website: https://asm.org/Guideline/ASM-Guidelines-for-Biosafety-in-Teaching-Laborator

Bio-Rad. (nd). ‘Classroom Resources pGLO Bacterial Transformation’ Retrieved (9 February 2023) from the Bio-Rad website. https://www.bio-rad.com/en-au/applications-technologies/classroom-resources?ID=MXEFMWGRI#pglo

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (2014, December). ‘E. coli (Escherichia coli) Questions and Answers’, Retrieved from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website: https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/general/index.html

Edvotek. (nd)Transformation of E. coli with Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP). Retrieved (9 February 2023) from the Edvotek website. https://www.edvotek.com/223 (Search under resources)

Kuhnert, Peter and Frey, Joachim. 1996. ‘Tools for Safety Assessment Identification and monitoring of Escherichia coli K-12 safety strains’, Retrieved (9 February 2023) from the Centre for Biosafety and Sustainability website, http://www.bats.ch/bats/publikationen/1996-1_e.coli/96-1_e-coli_k12.php

Microbiology Society, (2016 January 1). ‘Basic Practical Microbiology: A Manual’, Retrieved from the Microbiology Society website: https://microbiologysociety.org/publication/education-outreach-resources/basic-practical-microbiology-a-manual.html

Nuffield Foundation and the Royal Society of Biology, (2019). ‘Gene induction: ß-galactosidase in E. coli’, Retrieved from the Nuffield Foundation website, Gene induction: ß-galactosidase in E. coli (practicalbiology.org)

Science ASSIST. 2017. Guidelines for best practice for microbiology in Australian schools. Retrieved from the Science ASSIST website, https://assist.asta.edu.au/resource/4196/guidelines-best-practice-microbiology-australian-schools

Standards Australia. 2022. AS/NZS 2243.2:2022 Safety in Laboratories, Part 3: 2022 Microbiological safety and containment. Sydney, Australia.