Biology – Principles of genetic technology | e-Consult
Principles of genetic technology (1 questions)
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Recombinant DNA refers to DNA molecules created by combining genetic material from different sources. This process involves taking DNA fragments from two or more different organisms or even from within the same organism, and joining them together.
The key processes involved are:
- Isolation of DNA fragments: DNA is extracted from the source organisms and cut into specific fragments using restriction enzymes. These enzymes recognize and cut DNA at specific sequences.
- Insertion into a vector: The DNA fragments are then inserted into a vector, which is a DNA molecule that can carry foreign DNA. Common vectors include plasmids (circular DNA found in bacteria), viruses, and artificial chromosomes.
- Ligation: DNA ligase is an enzyme that joins the DNA fragments and the vector together, creating a recombinant DNA molecule.
- Transformation/Transfection: The recombinant DNA molecule is then introduced into a host cell (e.g., a bacterium) through processes like transformation (in bacteria) or transfection (in eukaryotic cells). The host cell then replicates the recombinant DNA, producing multiple copies.
Essentially, recombinant DNA technology allows for the manipulation and study of genes from different sources, leading to applications in medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology.