Abstract
Analyzing samples and detecting whether certain genes and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) segments are present form a considerable part of DNA technology. This chapter discusses the methods used for performing and applying this technology. Scientists can identify a disease organism by studying the DNA molecule. They are able to reproduce DNA in a test tube, fragment it, determine its composition, change its structure, and map its genes. These help in diagnosing infectious disease, and to screen individuals for cancer and other genetic diseases. The chapter discusses the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the DNA probe technologies in detail. PCR technology used with DNA probes has made the detection of minuscule amounts of DNA possible. Further, the DNA chip is explained. The DNA chip has added to the efficiency of DNA analysis by placing DNA probes on a glass slide the size of a postage stamp. Some significant examples of the use of DNA technology in medicine are listed. DNA probes and PCR are used to monitor genetically engineered organisms in the environment and to conduct water quality tests as well.
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