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

The correct answer is the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC). This committee is specifically established to oversee and evaluate research involving recombinant DNA to ensure compliance with federal and institutional guidelines. The IBC plays a crucial role in assessing the potential risks associated with recombinant DNA research and ensuring that appropriate biosafety measures are in place to protect public health and the environment.

The IBC is responsible for reviewing research proposals, monitoring compliance with biosafety practices, and addressing any concerns that may arise during the research process. The requirement for such committees comes from the guidelines recommended by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other regulatory bodies that oversee biotechnology and genetic research.

Other types of committees, while they may have important functions in research ethics or biohazard management, do not specifically focus on recombinant DNA oversight. The rDNA Committee and the Biosafety Ethics Committee do not reflect the standardized naming and responsibilities defined by federal regulatory agencies. The Institutional Biohazard Committee could imply a broader or different scope of biohazard management that does not limit itself to the specific issues surrounding recombinant DNA.