8.4.6 Uses of Recombinant DNA Technology

Applications of Recombinant DNA Technology

1. Medicine

• Production of therapeutic proteins:
  • Insulin: Human insulin is produced using genetically modified bacteria, providing a reliable and pure source for people with diabetes.
  • Growth hormones: Human growth hormone is synthesised to treat growth deficiencies.
  • Vaccines: Production of antigens for vaccines, such as the hepatitis B vaccine, using genetically engineered yeast.
• Gene therapy:
  • Used to treat genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis by introducing a functional copy of a faulty gene into a patient's cells.
• Diagnosis of genetic diseases:
  • Recombinant DNA technology enables the development of diagnostic tools to identify mutations responsible for genetic diseases, such as Huntington's disease.

2. Agriculture

• Genetically Modified (GM) Crops:
  • Pest-resistant crops: Insertion of the Bt toxin gene into crops such as maize reduces the need for chemical pesticides.
  • Herbicide-tolerant crops: Crops like soybeans are engineered to withstand herbicides, allowing farmers to control weeds without harming the crop.
  • Nutritional enhancement: Golden rice is engineered to produce beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, to combat vitamin A deficiency.
• Livestock improvement:
  • Genetically modified animals can be created to improve traits such as milk yield, growth rate, or disease resistance.

3. Industry

• Production of enzymes:
  • Genetically engineered microbes produce enzymes like proteases and amylases used in detergents and food processing.
• Bioplastics:
  • Genetically modified bacteria can produce biodegradable plastics, offering a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based plastics.
• Biofuels:
  • Recombinant DNA technology enables microorganisms to produce biofuels, such as ethanol, from agricultural waste.

Key Considerations in the Use of Recombinant DNA Technology

• Ethical concerns:
  • The creation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) raises questions about their potential impact on ecosystems and human health.
• Regulation:
  • Strict guidelines and assessments are required to ensure the safety of GMOs in agriculture and medicine.
• Accessibility:
  • The high cost of developing recombinant products can limit their availability in lower-income regions.