Description
STATEMENT OF CLASS SUBJECT MATTER
This class provides for the following subject matter whennot provided for elsewhere:
A. A process of using a microorganism or enzyme to synthesizea chemical product.
B. A process of treating a material with a microorganismor enzyme to separate, liberate, or purify a preexisting substance.
C. An in vitro process of measuring and testing in which:(1) A microorganism or enzyme is used to determine the presenceor identity of a compound or composition in a sample; (2) A microorganismis identified by propagation; (3) An enzyme is identified by itscatalytic activity; (4) The presence of microorganisms is detected;(5) A live microorganism is used in an antigen antibody test asan antigen; (6) Fixed or stabilized nonliving microorganisms, cells,or tissues are involved.
D. A process of propagating a microorganism.
E. A process in which the genetic structure of a microorganismor extrachromosomal genetic structure is altered.
F. A process of organ or tissue maintenance.
G.A process of mashing or malting.
H. Apparatus claimed or solely disclosed as for A-G.
I. Microorganisms, per se, or the subcellular parts thereof.
J. Enzymes, immobilized enzymes or enzyme containing compositionsnot otherwise provided for and the processes for purifying enzymesor forming immobilized enzymes.
K. Compositions claimed or solely disclosed as for the propagationof microorganisms or for measuring and testing processes in C above.
L. Using microorganisms to destroy hazardous or toxic waste.
CLASSIFICATION GUIDELINES FOR THIS CLASS
APPARATUS
This class takes only apparatus claimed or solely disclosedas for fermentation or enzymology, organ, and tissue maintenanceor genetic engineering not otherwise provided for. Apparatus byname only which is claimed as a collection of compounds or compositionsin a kit without structure is classified as described below in LinesWith Other Classes and Within This Class.
COMPOSITIONS
In general, this class will not provide for compositions otherthan an immobilized or insolubilized enzyme or a test or culturemedia.
COMPOUNDS
In general, this class does not provide for compounds otherthan an immobilized or insolubilized enzyme or an enzyme, per se.Production of metal or ammonium salts of a compound are classifiedwith the production of that compound.
AMINO ACID RESIDUES
If upon hydrolysis of an unidentified product the only residuesare amino acids, it should be presumed that the product is a proteinor peptide. If other organic moieties are present after hydrolysisof the product then placement should be made upon the basis of thepresence of such structure in the product.
PRESUMPTION
In the absence of a clearly claimed step of killing or inactivatinga microorganism in an antigen-antibody test the microorganism shouldbe treated as a living antigen.