{
  "url": "https://openlegislation.uk/genetically-modified-organisms-contained-use-regulations-1992/schedule-2/paragraph-7",
  "json_url": "https://openlegislation.uk/genetically-modified-organisms-contained-use-regulations-1992/schedule-2/paragraph-7.json",
  "legislation": "uksi/1992/3217",
  "legislation_title": "The Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use) Regulations 1992",
  "legislation_url": "https://openlegislation.uk/genetically-modified-organisms-contained-use-regulations-1992",
  "path": "schedule/2/paragraph/7",
  "kind": "paragraph",
  "number": "7",
  "heading": "Required characteristics of the insert",
  "text": "(1) The insert should be well characterised\nFor this purpose, the following characteristics should be taken into account.\n(a) The origin of the insert should be known (genus, species, strain).\n(b) The following information on the library from which the insert originated, should be known—\n(i) the source and method for obtaining the nucleic acid of interest (cDNA, chromosomal, mitochondrial, etc.);\n(ii) the vector in which the library was constructed (eg lambda gt 11, pBR322, etc.) and the site in which the DNA was inserted;\n(iii) the method used for identification (colony, hybridization, immuno-blot, etc.);\n(iv) the strain used for library construction.\n(c) If the insert is synthetic, its intended function should be identified.\n(d) The following information on the structure of the insert is required—\n(i) information on structural genes, regulatory elements;\n(ii) size of the insert;\n(iii) restriction endonuclease sites flanking the insert;\n(iv) information on transposable elements and provirus sequences.\n(2) the insert should be free from harmful sequences—\n(a) the function of each genetic unit in the insert should be defined (not applicable for Type A operations);\n(b) the insert should not contain genes coding for potentially harmful or pathogenic traits (eg virulence determinants, toxins, etc.), (unless for Type A operations, such genes constitute an essential part of the insert without, under any circumstances, resulting in a harmful or pathogenic phenotype of the genetically modified microorganism).\n(3) The insert should be limited in size as much as possible to the genetic sequences required to perform the intended function.\n(4) The insert should not increase the stability of the construct in the environment (unless that is a requirement of intended function).\n(5) The insert should be poorly mobilisable.\nFor instance, it should not contain transposing or transferable provirus sequences and other functional transposing sequences.",
  "extent": null,
  "status": null,
  "version": "current",
  "annotations": [],
  "outstanding_effects": [
    {
      "type": "substituted",
      "affecting": "uksi/1996/967",
      "affecting_title": "The Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use) (Amendment) Regulations 1996"
    }
  ],
  "provenance": {
    "source": "legislation.gov.uk",
    "source_url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1992/3217/schedule/2/paragraph/7",
    "retrieved_at": "2026-10-29T14:08:32.086650+00:00"
  },
  "licence": "Open Government Licence v3.0",
  "licence_url": "https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/",
  "attribution": "Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives."
}