Recombinant Proteins
Recombinant proteins are proteins that are artificially produced by combining DNA from different sources. This process typically involves inserting a gene that codes for a specific protein into a host organism, such as bacteria or yeast, which then uses its cellular machinery to produce the desired protein. This technique allows for the mass production of proteins that may be difficult or impossible to extract from natural sources.
These proteins have various applications in medicine and research. For example, recombinant proteins are used in the development of vaccines, therapeutic agents like insulin, and diagnostic tools. By utilizing recombinant DNA technology, scientists can create proteins with enhanced properties or specific functions, contributing to advancements in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.