What is a common application of recombinant DNA technology?

Recombinant DNA technology is commonly applied in gene therapy, which involves modifying or manipulating genes to treat or prevent diseases. This innovative approach enables scientists to replace or repair defective genes or introduce new genes into a patient's cells to reinforce the body's ability to fight diseases or produce beneficial proteins.

In the context of gene therapy, recombinant DNA technology is used to isolate and clone specific DNA sequences, which can then be delivered into target cells. This process involves the use of vectors, such as viruses, to facilitate the introduction of the therapeutic genes into the patients' cells. As a result, gene therapy has the potential to address genetic disorders, certain types of cancers, and other serious health conditions by targeting the underlying genetic causes.

While the other choices relate to various aspects of biological and medical science, they do not directly represent the specific application of recombinant DNA technology in the same way that gene therapy does. For instance, an electrocardiogram is a diagnostic tool used to measure heart electrical activity but does not involve manipulation of DNA. Hybridization refers to the process of combining complementary DNA strands, often used in research but not specifically as a therapeutic application. Plasmid purification relates to the extraction of plasmid DNA from bacterial cells, which is a step in recombinant