DNA: what does it do, and what do we do with it?
Lenstra, J.A.
Tijdschrift Voor Diergeneeskunde 126(23): 751-755
2001
ISSN/ISBN: 0040-7453 PMID: 11766534 Document Number: 535924
We present a bird's-eye view of the fundamentals and applications of the DNA technology. DNA is the carrier of genetic information. Separate pieces of DNA can be isolated in two different ways: cloning or via the polymerase chain reaction. Analysis of DNA has already found several applications in medical diagnosis and criminal investigations. Modification of DNA from lower organisms in order to produce proteins is now generally accepted. Genetic modification of plants and animals is promising, but is also the subject to a public and political debate. Gene therapy is a promise of the future. Analysis as well as modification of DNA has ethical consequences and both require an effective legislation.