Question

Describe the plasmid insertion and plasmid multiplication steps in genetic engineering.

Answer 1

Plasmids:

1. Genetic engineering is the process of altering the DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) makeup of an organism in labs.
2. A plasmid is a circular and double-stranded DNA molecule that is different from the chromosomal molecule.
3. Plasmids are used as genetic tools in cloning and recombinant DNA techniques.

Plasmid insertion:

1. During insertion, the circular plasmid DNA which comprises the host gene is introduced into the bacterial cell.
2. Plasmids act as a vector in genetic engineering.
3. The plasmid can be introduced into a bacterium through the process of transformation.
4. This is referred to as recombinant DNA technology.

Plasmid multiplication:

1. A plasmid that is introduced into the bacterial cell multiplies to produce some copies of the desired gene.
2. The gene can be turned on to synthesize novel proteins.