title: [DNA: what does it do, and what do we do with it?].
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Hoofdafdeling Infectieziekten en Immunologie, Faculteit der Diergeneeskunde, Universiteit Utrecht, Postbus 80165, 3508 TD, Utrecht. J.A.Lenstra@vet.uu.nl
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Lenstra
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001709:Biotechnology; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics; D005818:Genetic Engineering / Q000662:veterinary*; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000662:veterinary; D006801:Humans; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D014730:Veterinary Medicine / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D004247:DNA
vernacular_title: DNA: wat doet het, wat doen wij ermee?