GEMET
General
Multilingual
Environmental
Thesaurus
accidental release of organisms
Definition

Genetically engineered organisms that are released in the environment by mistake; once released they may exhibit some previously unknown pathogenicity, might take over from some naturally occurring bacteria (possibly having other positive functions which thus are lost) or pass on some unwanted trait to such indigenous bacteria. There is also concern that an uncontrolled genetic mutation could produce a form with hazardous consequences for the environment.

Related terms
Broader:
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Scope note

Scope note is not available.

Concept URL: http://www.eionet.europa.eu/gemet/concept/28