Question

if a protein incoding gene is expressed in a heterologous host, it is calles recombinant protein.

what does this mean?

Answer 1

Recombinant protein is derived from a recombinant DNA i.e. the one in which a desired gene is ligated to a vector and then this vector is incorporated in a host cell like E.coli where it grows and multiplies. The protein is then purified from the host cells. The gene of interest can be from a specific organism and it is not necessary to multiply this gene in the same organism. Rather the gene of interest is inserted in an organism that can be easily manipulated in-vitro.