Cloning is necessary to produce numerous copies of the DNA since the initial supply is inadequate to insert into host cells. Once the vector is isolated in large quantities, it can be introduced into the desired host cells such as mammalian, yeast, or special bacterial cells. When the cells are grown in vast quantities, the foreign or recombinant protein can be isolated and purified in large amounts. Progress in Medicine Using Recombinant DNA Technology Recombinant DNA technology is not only an important tool in scientific research, but has also resulted in enormous progress in the diagnosis and treatment of certain diseases and genetic disorders in many areas of medicine. Diagnosis of affected and carrier states for hereditary diseases Tests exist to determine if people are carriers of the cystic fibrosis gene, the Huntington's disease gene, the Tay-Sachs disease gene, or the Duchenne muscular dystrophy gene.
Scientists are able to link mutations and disease states to specific sites on chromosomes.
Transferring genes from one organism to another People suffering from cystic fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, vascular disease, and certain cancers may now benefit from the progress made in gene therapy. Once gene modification becomes successful, alteration of genes to produce a more functional protein than the endogenous protein may become possible, opening up the route of gene therapy. Performing structure and function analyses on proteins Researchers may now employ rational drug design to synthesize drug compounds that will be efficacious and selective in treating disease. Isolation of large quantities of pure protein Insulin, growth hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, as well as other proteins, are now available as recombinant products. Physicians will no longer have to rely on biological products of low purity and specific activity from inconsistent batch preparations to treat their patients.