Recombinant Gene Expression

Since newly created beings are often perceived as either wholly good or bad, the genetic alteration of living cells impacts directly on a symbolic meaning deeply embedded in every culture. During the earlier years of gene expression research, technological applications were confined mainly to academic and industrial laboratories and were perceived as highly beneficial since molecules that were previously unable to be separated or synthesized became accessible as therapeutic agents. Such were the success stories of hormones, antibodies, and vaccines produced in the bacterium Escherichia coli. Originally, this bacterium gained fame among humans for being an unwanted host in the intestine, or worse yet, for being occasionally dangerous and pathogenic. However, it was easily identified in contaminated waters during the 19th century, thus becoming a clear indicator of water pollution by humans.