DNA cloning and recombinant DNA | Biomolecules | MCAT | Khan Academy

Khan Academy10 minutes read

DNA cloning creates copies of a gene for a specific protein by cutting it with restriction enzymes, pasting it into a plasmid, and inserting it into bacteria through a heat shock technique, allowing bacteria to reproduce and express the gene to create proteins like insulin.

Insights

  • DNA cloning creates identical copies of a gene by cutting it out with restriction enzymes and pasting it into a plasmid, which replicates within an organism's genetic system.
  • Inserting the gene-plasmid combination into bacteria, such as E. coli, allows for the production of proteins like insulin, showcasing the practical applications of DNA cloning in biotechnology.

Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free

Recent questions

  • How is DNA cloning performed?

    By cutting out gene, pasting into plasmid, and inserting into bacteria.

  • What are restriction enzymes used for in DNA cloning?

    To cut out specific DNA sequences for cloning.

  • Why are plasmids used in DNA cloning?

    To facilitate gene replication and expression in bacteria.

  • How do bacteria reproduce the cloned gene?

    By growing on a nutrient-antibiotic mixture.

  • What is the purpose of DNA ligase in DNA cloning?

    To connect the DNA backbones of the gene and plasmid.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

Creating identical gene copies for protein production.

  • DNA cloning involves making identical copies of a gene that codes for a useful protein.
  • To clone a gene, it is first cut out using restriction enzymes that recognize specific DNA sequences.
  • The cut gene is then pasted into a plasmid, a circular piece of genetic material that can replicate along with the organism's genetic machinery.
  • Plasmids have overhangs that match the gene's ends, facilitating the pasting process.
  • The gene-plasmid combination is achieved by using DNA ligase to connect the DNA backbones.
  • The plasmid containing the gene is inserted into bacteria, typically E. coli, through a heat shock technique.
  • Bacteria that successfully take up the plasmid, containing an antibiotic resistance gene, can grow on a nutrient-antibiotic mixture.
  • The bacteria can reproduce the gene and express it, potentially producing useful proteins like insulin.
Channel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatar

Try it yourself — It’s free.