Who was the first person to use gene-splicing techniques to develop recombinant DNA in 1972?

The correct answer is Paul Berg, who pioneered the use of gene-splicing techniques to develop recombinant DNA in 1972. Berg's groundbreaking work allowed scientists to take DNA from one organism and combine it with DNA from another, creating a new, hybrid DNA molecule. This development had profound implications for genetics, biotechnology, and medicine, as it opened the door to advances such as the production of insulin, growth hormones, and other therapeutic proteins through genetic engineering.

The significance of this achievement lies not only in the technical aspect but also in the broader understanding of genetics, enabling researchers to manipulate genetic materials in ways that were never possible before. This laid the foundation for modern biotechnology and transformed how scientists approach genetic research.