Certified Research Administrator Practice Exam

Which committee is mandated for the oversight of research involving recombinant DNA?

1. rDNA Committee

2. Biosafety Ethics Committee

3. Institutional Biosafety Committee

4. Institutional Biohazard Committee

The correct answer is: Institutional Biosafety Committee

The Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) is responsible for the oversight of research involving recombinant DNA. This committee is established to ensure that research activities comply with all relevant federal, state, and institutional regulations. The IBC evaluates proposals for research involving recombinant DNA to assess potential risks to human health and the environment, ensuring that appropriate safety measures are in place to mitigate those risks. The mandate of the IBC includes reviewing and approving research protocols, monitoring ongoing research, and providing guidance on the safe handling of recombinant DNA materials. The emphasis on biosafety is central to the operations of the IBC, which seeks to promote safe practices in biologically-based research. Other committees, such as the rDNA Committee, may focus on narrower aspects or specific types of research, but the IBC has a broader role that encompasses all forms of recombinant DNA research and aligns with national safety standards. This comprehensive oversight is crucial to ensuring responsible conduct in bioscience research.