What Is the Purpose of Recombinant DNA?

Scientists use recombinant DNA, or rDNA, to study genetics, biochemistry and molecular biology. To create rDNA, scientists combine two strands of DNA to create an entirely new strand with properties of each original strand. Recombinant DNA is extremely effective when used in vaccinations, treatments and cures. It also can be used to genetically improve or clone crops or animals.

Vaccinations

• Many vaccines have been created through the use of rDNA. These include vaccinations for meningitis, measles, typhus, tetanus, rabies, rotavirus, hepatitis A and hepatitis B.

  There are many advantages to creating a vaccine with rDNA. By their very nature, rDNA vaccines are designed to be mass produced. They can be stored without refrigeration, making them easier to distribute. The ability to administer an rDNA vaccine by air gun or gene gun eliminates the need for needles and syringes, decreasing the chance of cross-contamination or other health concerns. Also, an rDNA vaccine does not contain the actual live or killed virus and can be engineered to vaccinate against many variants at once.

Gene Therapy

• Recombinant DNA can be used to create effective pharmaceutical treatments and cures for a variety of conditions. This use is known as "gene therapy."

  Treatments made with rDNA can stimulate insulin production in diabetics. Cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia can be prevented and cured with minimal lasting side effects. The technology shows potential for treating arthritis, vascular disease and even some cancers.

  Cystic fibrosis patients who receive the rDNA treatment report mild voice alteration or laryngitis as side effects. Nausea, fever, chills and other mild symptoms can also accompany the treatment.

Genetic Engineering (Plants)

• Plants can be made drought- and pest-resistant through the use of rDNA. This increases the survival, growth and availability of needed crops. Crop yields can also be increased using rDNA, enabling farmers to increase crop yields to combat low production.

  Scientists have also found ways to add nutritional properties to plants using rDNA, potentially correcting serious malnutrition problems throughout the world. An example of this is "Golden Rice," a biofortified crop created in 1990 that produces rice with extremely high beta carotene content to combat vitamin A deficiencies. UNICEF estimates that vitamin A deficiency is responsible for the deaths of approximately 1.15 million children every year.

Genetic Engineering (Animals)

• Selective breeding, or choosing only the best animals for breeding, has been used for years as a means of improving crop structure. DNA engineering takes this process a step further by allowing scientists to splice genes and create genetically superior creatures.

  Animals who are genetically engineered can have desirable attributes, such as improved health and faster growth. Dairy cows may produce more milk. Chickens might lay larger eggs.

  Zebrafish were made famous through the use of rDNA, which made them fluorescent.

Cloning

• Cloning of small DNA strands or even entire creatures is possible using rDNA technology. A clone is a living organism that is genetically identical to a single parent. Naturally occurring clones include tuber plants, sea anemones and identical twins.

  While scientific cloning has been the subject of significant ethical and moral debate, genetic cloning provides significant opportunity for scientists to study human, animal, plant and genetic reproduction, development and creation.