Hobbies And Interests
Recombinant DNA
To understand which social impacts recombinant DNA (rDNA) continues to make, it is equally important to have a brief understanding of the technology. To produce rDNA, a gene of interest is isolated and placed into a vector. The vector is then cloned to produce an adequate number of vectors. After cloning, the vectors are placed into target cells that produce the protein for which the gene codes. Some examples of target cells are mammalian, yeast or bacterial cells. When enough of the wanted protein is made, the compound is isolated and purified along with the target cells. The process allows for a protein to be made that may have not been expressed in that particular cell.
Improved Crops
Crops are vulnerable to pest infestation and disease. When dealing with a crop designed to be sold for economic value, any alteration to the yield due to these factors has a large effect on the available supply. One attempt to produce a crop that is resistant to pests and disease is through the use of rDNA technology. A gene to make the crop more resistant to deleterious factors is isolated and introduced to the crop. When a seed is produced with the new gene, the next generation of plants will have the resistive properties. Using rDNA in the food supply is controversial.
Medicines
Some medications that have been expensive to produce in the past have become more cost-effective using rDNA. Insulin is one example of where rDNA benefits those who are dependent on the medication. A gene for a specific protein is introduced to a host cell to make the desired compound. The product can then be isolated to undergo further processing. Once the process has been worked out, a cloning procedure allows for a vast number of cells. As in many other industries, whenever a product can be made in a simpler way, the cost is generally lowered.
Concerns
There are a few concerns of the use of rDNA to improve some aspects of society. Since rDNA is able to contribute a particular gene-to-host cell, a concern is that some microbes can gain antibiotic resistance through this pathway. When scientists produce new recombinant DNA, they must also take care to avoid introducing these vectors into an uncontrolled environment until the effects are thoroughly studied. Some environmental concerns can come from nearby plants becoming pollinated from altered plants, which could change some characteristics of said plants. Wherever the concern lies, a look at both the pros and cons must be taken into account to fully understand the societal impacts rDNA will have in the future.