Question

Briefly describe the process of recombinant DNA technology.

Answer 1

Recombinant DNA (rDNA) is the DNA formed artificially by genetic recombination to bring together genetic material from multiple sources, giving rise to sequences that would not otherwise be found in the genome. The steps involved are:-
1) Molecular cloning which is one of the widely used methods to direct the replication of any specific DNA sequence.
2) Insertion of the desired sequence into a cloning vector which is a DNA molecule that replicates within a living cell. Vectors are generally derived from plasmids or viruses containing additional elements to ease the insertion of foreign DNA, identification of cells that contain the foreign DNA, and expression of the foreign DNA into the host organism.
3) Expression of the recombinant DNA- ​The vector containing the foreign DNA sequence of interest is then transplanted into the host organism where it is made to express and the cells expressing the DNA sequence of interest can be chosen amongst the others using specific identification methods.