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