Biotechnology and Bioinformatics (1+1)

1.1.3.6. Other Applications

Biotechnical methods are now used to produce many protein s for pharmaceutical and other specialized purposes. A harmless strain of Escherichia coli bacteria, given a copyof the gene for human insulin, can make insulin. As these genetically modified (GM) bacterial cells age, they produce human insulin, which can be purified andused to treat diabetes in humans. Products of modern biotechnology include artificial blood vessels from collagen tubes coated with a layer of theanticoagulant heparin.

Gene therapy – altering DNA within cells in an organism totreat or cure a disease – is one of the most promising areas of biotechnologyresearch. New genetic therapies are being developed to treat diseases such ascystic fibrosis, AIDS and cancer.

DNA fingerprinting has become one of the most powerful andwidely known applications of biotechnology today. DNA from samples of hair, bodily fluids or skin at a crime scene are compared with those obtained fromthe suspects.