Genetic information is stored in specific sequences in these molecules. Small Version Large Version DNA double helix. Recombinant DNA technology dates back to 1975. Cell culture isolates and grows plant or animal cells in plastic or glass containers. Entire plants have been regenerated from single cells through cell culture.
Monoclonal antibodies use the antibodies animals and plants produce to detect disease.
These antibodies are made by special cultured cells and can be grown in large quantities in culture. They have been used to diagnose many diseases including AIDS and have led to the development of a broad spectrum of practical diagnostics such as home pregnancy test kits. Macromolecular synthesis enables chemists to create large, complex molecules, such as proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids. These methods offer advantages in speed and cost over recombinant DNA techniques. While biotechnology has emerged in a big way only in the last two decades, it's not really new.