RNA synthesis, a process naturally occurring in the body, has other uses in the field of medical science. That is, if we could replicate it. It turns out that we can with synthetic materials. When scientists replicate this synthesis they can test certain reactions and see how chemicals perform inside the human body. Not literally, of course, but this kind of research is part of the first steps toward deploying cures to the market safely.
Gene Construction
Since the 1970s, the process of synthesizing genetic material has been automated. This means extremely precise yields, and a gradually decreasing production time. Where manufacturers used to make entire DNA strands, today scientists can order segments. This makes genetic material significantly more affordable, cutting costs that can be otherwise allocated to facility maintenance or upgrade costs, or even additional personnel.
Strands of DNA help create a simulation of how the body would react to something on a genetic level. This is the first true test that a cure could have potential to work in the human body. This process also allows for a safer testing environment that keeps the risk to human life minimal.
Testing Process
Scientists can test for a reaction, or for the presence or lack of something. That would depend on what the cure is supposed to do. Scientists start each trial phase with a stated aim, like killing brain cancer cells, and work backwards from that point testing various methods to achieve the desired results. A synthetic gene segment would give researchers a starting point to show that whatever they are trying to do is possible without deadly consequences.
Bio: The Midland Certified Reagent Company makes synthetic DNA and oligonucleotides used in research laboratories all over the world.