Question

Describe the applications of r-DNA technology in medicine.

Hint:

r-DNA technology is transforming medicine by enabling the production of therapeutic proteins, gene therapies, and personalized treatments.

Answer 1

Recombinant DNA (r-DNA) technology involves manipulating DNA molecules to combine genetic material from different sources. This technology has several important applications in medicine: 1. Production of Insulin: r-DNA technology is used to produce human insulin by inserting the insulin gene into bacteria, allowing them to produce insulin for treating diabetes. 2. Gene Therapy: This involves inserting a healthy copy of a gene into a patient's cells to correct genetic disorders, such as cystic fibrosis or sickle cell anemia. 3. Vaccine Production: Recombinant DNA technology is used to produce vaccines, such as the hepatitis B vaccine, by introducing a gene from the virus into yeast or bacterial cells. 4. Monoclonal Antibodies: r-DNA technology is used to create monoclonal antibodies for targeted therapy in diseases like cancer, where antibodies specifically bind to cancer cells and deliver treatments directly to the tumor.
Final Answer: Applications of r-DNA technology in medicine include the production of insulin, gene therapy, vaccine production, and monoclonal antibodies for targeted therapies.