Techniques for rapid sequencing of nucleotides perfected. The U.S. Supreme Court, in the landmark case Diamond v. Chakrabarty , approves the principle of patenting genetically engineered life forms, which allows the Exxon oil company to patent an oil-eating microorganism. The U.S. patent for gene cloning is awarded to Cohen and Boyer. The first gene-synthesizing machines are developed. 1981 Scientists at Ohio University produce the first transgenic animals by transferring genes from other animals into mice.
Chinese scientist become the first to clone a fish - a golden carp.
Applied Biosystems, Inc., introduces the first commercial gas phase protein sequencer, dramatically reducing the amount of protein sample needed for sequencing. PCR, which uses heat and enzymes to make unlimited copies of genes and gene fragments, later becomes a major tool in biotech research and product development worldwide. The first genetic transformation of plant cells by TI plasmids is performed. The first artificial chromosome is synthesized. The first genetic markers for specific inherited diseases are found.