The Role of Recombinant DNA Technology in Improving Life
Recombinant DNA technology has been just an imagination for many years. People never thought that desirable traits could be improved in living organisms through controlling expressions of target genes. Nonetheless, through in-depth research and hard work, healthcare researchers have demonstrated how this field has a unique impact on advancements in human life. Technological advancement allows efficient and affordable production of crucial proteins required for dietary purposes and health problems. Technology has improved different aspects of life, including food resources, advanced health, and resistance to adverse environmental impacts. This article will focus on the importance of recombinant DNA technology and how it is applied in life.
Understanding Recombinant DNA Technology
Recombinant DNA technology is the practice of changing genetic material outside an organism to get enhanced and desired characteristics in the living organism. Different DNA fragments from various sources with desirable gene sequences are usually inserted through appropriate vectors. Organisms’ genomes are manipulated by introducing several genes and regulatory elements to block or reduce the expression of undesirable genes through the recombination of elements and genes. Technology has been applied in agriculture and medicine to improve the existence of life.
Importance of Recombinant DNA
It has played a vital role in curing different health conditions by developing new vaccines and drugs. Scientists can produce new types of experimental mutants to contribute to genetic engineering in health. For instance, scientists use PCR primer design to section DNA synthesis and define boundaries of the desired region that need to be copied. Primers specify the area to be amplified, leading to better and more reliable results. This way, it is possible to transfer desired genes to the target through genetic engineering, unlike in the past where specific genes were transferred to the recipient.
Recombinant DNA technology has revolutionized the development in biology leading to series of dramatic changes. It has offered new opportunities to innovate and produce a range of therapeutic products with instant effects in biomedicine and medical genetics.
Application
Food and agriculture– recombinant DNA plays a major role in production of enzymes that are suitable in conditions for specific food processing. It helps in manufacturing of enzymes that reduce production of toxic materials in foods thus increasing their shelf life. This has helped the food industry to preserve food like fruits, vegetables, meat and cheese for long.
Health and diseases– this technology has a wide spectrum of applications in treating diseases and improving health conditions. It is used to enhance gene therapy, which helps treat genetic diseases. It also helps in the production of antibodies and their derivatives. It has also contributed to a heterologous expression, where enzymes’ genetic information is expressed through gene transfer.
Environment– Recombinant DNA technology has widely been applied to solve environmental problems. Genetic engineering has been used to detect and absorb contaminants in drinking water and other samples. It is also used to improve environmental resources. For example, a combination of several microorganisms mediates hydrogen production, which is friendly to the environment.
In conclusion, recombinant DNA technology has played a significant role in different fields, including agriculture, environment, and health. Genetic engineering allows the manufacturing of genes that can be used to cure different diseases and even improve health conditions. It has been applied in agriculture to help increase production and preserve foods for a long. Likewise, the environment has benefited from technology through solving problems like air and water pollution.
