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DNA technologyRecombinant DNA technology is thought by many to be the cornerstone of biotechnology; recombinant DNA literally means the joining or recombining of two separate pieces of DNA from two different species. Thousands of years ago, humans would effectively combine the genetic material of domestic pets such as cats and dogs by specifically choosing which individuals would reproduce.By hand picking which individuals would reproduce only those with favourable traits were bred thus eliminating bad points or genes and as we went along with the line, we changed the genetic make up of the animal in question. This is seen in the show dogs and cats of today, with breeds now having to comply with a set standard, this very often is far from the looks of the original breed dating back hundreds of years. Today we take this a step further by selective breeding in order to combine valuable genetic material from different organisms, to do this we refine and combine genes at a molecular level using more advanced and precise techniques, which are called recombinant DNA technology. Although selective breeding and recombinant DNA techniques have a lot in common there are some very important differences, these are: * Making genetic modifications using recombinant DNA technology techniques allows us the freedom to move a single gene whose functions we know from one organism to another. * In selective breeding only large sets of genes of unknown function can be moved between organisms which are related. By having more precision in the technique the outcome is more certain and reliable, there is a great decrease in the risk of unwanted organisms with unexpected traits appearing and time is saved with the trial and error approach of selective breeding. On saying this techniques for selective breeding have greatly evolved over the last few years and in the early 1900`s the first recombinant DNA molecules using restriction enzymes was created. Ten years later another marvel was introduced to the world, the first recombinant DNA based drug, human insulin. The human genome was sequenced in the year 2000 and today we have advanced greatly in recombinant DNA techniques in conjunction with molecular cloning in areas such as: * Producing new medicines and far safer vaccines. * Treating genetic diseases. * Making great strides in bio control agents in agriculture. * An increase in agricultural yields and a reduction in the cost of production. * A decrease in allergy producing characteristics of some foods. * Great improvements in a foods nutritional value. * Biodegradable plastics. * A decrease in air and water pollution. * A decrease in food spoilage. * Better control over viral diseases. |
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