What is Recombinant?
Recombinant refers to the DNA which is obtained by joining DNA from different sources. It is usually referred to as rDNA. Furthermore, the rDNA brings genetic material from different sources together. Usually, two distinct DNA are joined together to form a new DNA, which is not present in the original genome. This creation of new DNA is done in laboratories through recombinant DNA technology or genetic engineering.
The recombinant DNA is made possible due to the similar chemical structures of all DNA molecules. The DNA of all organisms differ only by nucleotide sequences.
What is Nonrecombinant?
Nonrecombinant does not show any genetic recombination. It is more similar to that of the original or parent DNA. This means that the genome of nonrecombinants does not have any foreign DNA. As there are no genetic variations, this has no effect on the evolutionary process.
The blue-white screening system helps in recognition of nonrecombinant DNA molecules from the recombinants.
Extended Reading: Tools for Recombinant DNA Technology
Difference between Recombinant and Nonrecombinant
Recombinant |
Nonrecombinant |
|
Here, the DNA is obtained by joining at least two different strands. |
Here, the DNA does not show any genetic recombination. |
|
Foreign DNA is inserted into the rDNA. |
No foreign DNA insertion takes place. |
|
They are different from parent DNA. |
They are similar to parent DNA. |
|
They show genetic variation and thus eventually contribute to evolution. |
They do not show any genetic variation, and thus have no effect on evolution. |
Also Read: Recombinant DNA Technology
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a transformant?
Transformants are host cells that take up transformed foreign DNA. They are usually the cells that undergo transformation. The transformants express the rDNA or recombinant DNA.
What is recombinant DNA technology?
It is a technique that modifies the DNA of the host. Usually, a genetically modified vector is incorporated into the host genome. This changes the phenotype of that organism. Thus, the gene of interest is embedded into the host through recombinant DNA technology.
What is the blue-white screening method?
It is a screening technique that detects recombinants among nonrecombinants. After undergoing recombination, the cells are grown in X-gal. Here, the transformed cells containing rDNA produce white colonies. In contrast, the nonrecombinants produce blue colonies.
Keep exploring BYJU’S Biology for more exciting topics.
Comments