Recombinant Proteins - Some Common Applications
As mentioned earlier, this technology has far reaching applications. Here are some of them.
- Medicine. Recombinant proteins are used to produce insulin, human growth hormone (HCH, somatotropin), blood clotting factor VIII (usually administered to patients with hemophilia) and hepatitis B vaccine. In addition, this technology is also responsible for developing the methods for diagnosing HIV infections.
- Biological research. Recombinant DNA can be used in mapping genes and as reagents in laboratory experiments.
- Agriculture. The technology was used to develop Golden rice, a variety of rice that aims to reduce vitamin A deficiency. It was also used to develop insect-resistant and herbicide-resistant crops.
- Food processing. Several food additives such as chymosin, an enzyme used in the manufacture of cheese, are now being produced using this technology.
