Recombinant DNA technology

Definition

Recombinant DNA technology involves combining DNA from two different sources to create new genetic combinations. This is achieved using molecular cloning and other genetic engineering techniques.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The process often includes the use of restriction enzymes to cut DNA at specific sequences and ligases to join these sequences together.
2. Plasmids, which are small circular DNA molecules, are commonly used as vectors to carry recombinant DNA into host cells.
3. This technology has applications in medicine, agriculture, and research, including the production of insulin and genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
4. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is frequently used to amplify the amount of DNA available for recombination.
5. Antibiotic resistance genes are often included in plasmid vectors as markers to identify successfully modified cells.

Review Questions

• What role do restriction enzymes play in recombinant DNA technology?
• How are plasmids utilized in the process of creating recombinant DNA?
• Name one medical application of recombinant DNA technology.

Related terms

Restriction Enzyme: A protein that cuts DNA at specific nucleotide sequences.

Plasmid:

A small circular piece of DNA that can replicate independently within bacterial cells.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR):

A technique used to amplify small segments of DNA.