Determine the structure of protein. Detailed studies on the function of protein. Purified proteins serve as extremely valuable biochemical reagents. It is remarkably valuable to be able to obtain things like purified growth factors or hormones, proteases, DNA polymerases, reverse transcriptase, ligases, phosphatases, or antibodies that recognize a particular epitope of interest. Once a protein is purified, it is possible to study its enzymology, understand its affinity for particular substrates, or dissect its ability to catalyze enzymatic reactions. Purification of a protein can also help purify a nucleic acid of interest. Used in DNA replication, RNA splicing and DNA recombination. Purified protein is often needed to generate antibodies that can be used for further examination of protein structure and cellular localization. By purifying a protein it can be clearly established that a particular biological activity (enzymatic activity, signaling capacity, etc.) actually resides in a unique protein. Purified protein used as a reagent to carry out metabolic interconversions and to generate products in vitro. Purified protein also find uses in detergents, in contact lens cleaner and in other products. Purified protein also serve as substrates for protease and modifying enzymes and in this capacity they help to clarify the mechanism of action of these enzymes. Protein also purify because of any detailed physical-chemical analysis of their structure (e.g. crystallization for x-ray analysis). Insulin, growth hormone, interferon, the enzyme lactase and many other proteins are purified on a large scale to treat various ailments. Numerous protein are purified from natural sources or prepared by recombinant DNA techniques for use as therapeutic agents.