Up to this point molecular biologists have mapped only a tiny fraction of the genome. The twenty three pairs of human chromosomes are estimated to contain between 50,000 and 100,000 genes, although it appears that only about five percent are ever transcribed. Recombinant DNA biotechnology has aroused public interest and concern and has influenced medicine, industry, agriculture and environmental problem solving in the twenty years since its inception. In medicine faster and more efficient diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as cystic fibrosis, cancer, sickle cell anemia, and diabetes are soon to be developed. Recombinant organisms will be used in industry to produce new vaccines, solvents, and chemicals of all kinds.
Biotechnology has applications in both plant and animal breeding.
Scientists are developing disease and herbicide resistant crops, disease resistant animals, seedless fruits and rapidly growing chickens. Microbes are being engineered to digest compounds that are currently polluting our environment. It is believed that biochips would be faster and more energy efficient. Biochip implants in the body could deliver precise amounts of drugs to affect heart rate and hormone secretion or to control artificial limbs. Biosensors are monitors that use enzymes, monoclonal antibodies, or other proteins to test air and water quality, to detect hazardous substances, and to monitor blood components in vivo.