Recombinant DNA has several critical applications in the fields of biotechnology, human and veterinary medicine, food production, bioengineering, and agriculture.  

These are some of the more notable applications of recombinant DNA: 

• Identify, map, and sequence genes and determine their function
• Diagnose genetic diseases
• Gene therapy and correction of gene defects that give rise to hereditary conditions
• Synthesize human insulin
• Produce Hepatitis B vaccine
• Generate antibody probes to study protein synthesis within cells and organisms
• Detect the presence of HIV in an individual
• DNA fingerprinting or typing
• Manufacture Bt-Cotton to protect plants from ball worms
• Produce genetically-modified agricultural products such as protein-rich golden rice