Simply put, recombinant DNA technology involves combining DNA molecules drawn from different species; This is done to create genetic combinations with enhanced characteristics from the host organisms. Recombinant DNA technology has wide application in medicine, agriculture, and industry. The health sector is responsible for developing growth factors, antibodies, proteins, and more. You can find more information on https://www.shenandoah-bt.com/.
For this discussion, we’ll keep it simple. Technical jargon aside, so that every Joe or Jane across the street is on the same page as we all are. Let’s evaluate the rationale for adopting recombinant DNA tech before looking at the various ways it helps in improving life. Here we go. Read on.
The Rationale for Implementing Recombinant DNA Technology
What are some of the factors or issues currently affecting our survival as humans? Think of malnutrition ravaging people in various parts of the globe, endemic plagues and diseases, environmental issues, among others.
Case in point, in third-world industries, health facilities are stretched beyond capacity. Not forgetting the low standard of care they offer. Still, industrialization has led to spiraling pollution due to inefficient effluent management and more.
Now, do the current conventional strategies we’ve adopted appear to be doing much to avert the challenges we face? Barely.
Enter recombinant DNA technology: a modern approach to dealing with today’s health, environmental, and agricultural challenges. Through molecular cloning, DNA technologies such as genetic engineering yield better results in less time. For instance, molecular cloning only transfers desired genes to a recipient, ensuring more reliable products. Let’s peek at some of these technologies’ pivotal roles in various sectors.
Improving Health Care
Recombinant DNA technology stands front and center in the global battle against debilitating health conditions. Through this technology, pharmaceutical experts are developing new drugs, vaccines, and treatment strategies to combat illnesses. Other approaches in use include:
- Development of diagnostic kits
- Disease monitoring
- Therapeutic approaches
Some of the leading roles recombinant DNA technology has played through genetic engineering(GE) include the creation of synthetic human insulin using genetically modified bacteria to help stabilize the body’s insulin levels. Insulin is integral in diabetes treatment. The cloning of proteins and enzymes through recombinant technology has made this possible.
Likewise, GE has facilitated the development of environmentally friendly biofuels. Access to clean fuel sources implies we are less at risk of contracting illnesses due to exposure to toxic wastes or hazardous chemicals.
Recombinant DNA technology is also essential in the creation of growth factors. For instance, adopting recombinant protein fibroblast growth factors promotes the growth of new blood vessels in the heart. Similarly, a recombinant such as Apligraf (FDA-approved medication) works in treating leg ulcers by promoting skin growth.
Through its use in the development of growth hormones, recombinant technology helps manage issues such as short bowel syndrome and treat deficiencies resulting from pituitary tumors. These hormones also help curb the effect of a muscle-wasting disease closely linked to HIV/AIDS.
As noted, recombinant tech is also essential in creating therapeutic vaccines and anti-cancer drugs. It also works in developing antibodies responsible for fighting bacterial and viral infections in the body.
Therapeutic protein products- examples include casein and lysozyme- produced from plants through recombinant DNA tech are responsible for improving children’s health. Protein polymers derived through GE are also essential during surgery and tissue replacement.
Also, GE has promoted the production of human collagen, a key component providing structure to our muscles, skin, and bones. Synthetic collagen is also used in the cosmetic industry, especially in repairing tissues.
The recombinant nature of pharmaceutical products indicates their role in fighting and preventing lethal human ailments. Without such medication, our survival would be under severe threat. Also, read about Local Digital Business.
In Food Production
Reliable food sources are integral to our survival. There’s no denying that our sustenance is mainly dependent upon the food we partake in. Now, how does recombinant DNA technology improve food production?
Recombinant tech is behind the creation of genetically modified plants and fruits. Such food sources are more resistant to plant diseases, leading to better yield. If plants are more adaptable, they can better survive changing climatic conditions. As a result, we get to enjoy a more abundant supply of food.
The pharmaceutical application of recombinant tech herbicide and insecticide production has made this a reality. GE has helped experts create tailored solutions to deal with viral or fungal resistance in plants.
Still, GE has been instrumental in creating strategies to clean up oil spills and detect contaminants in the water we drink. Promoting access to clean drinking water and creating a clean ecosystem for fish to thrive directly improves our lives.
Recombinant tech is also responsible for creating genetically modified microorganisms (GMM). GMM has wide applications in the dairy, agrochemical, and pharmaceutical sectors. For instance, GMM, such as starter cultures, makes the production of yogurt, cheese, kefir, wine, bread, and fermented vegetables possible.
All in all, recombinant DNA technology promotes modern life by addressing the persistent threats we face. An innovative approach to treating human and plant diseases and dealing with environmental concerns is a sure path to improving our livelihoods.
