In gene cloning, genetic engineering techniques are used to produce exact copies of a particular gene.
In the first step of gene cloning, the DNA containing the ‘gene of interest" is isolated by using restriction enzymes.
The plasmid (vector) and the gene of interest are treated with the same restriction enzyme for generating complementary sticky ends.
The gene of interest is ligated into the plasmid with the help of DNA ligase, resulting in the formation of a recombinant plasmid.
The recombinant plasmids are introduced into competent bacterial cells. This process is known as transformation.
When the bacteria reproduce, the recombinant plasmids are copied. Hence, several bacteria are produced containing the recombinant plasmid with the gene of interest.