Plasmids and Recombinant DNA Technology

Andrey K10 minutes read

Recombinant DNA Technology involves creating new genes through gene modification and cloning them using vectors like plasmids, which can be engineered in a lab with special genes for unique cell abilities. Restriction enzymes are crucial for inserting DNA fragments into plasmids, allowing for replication of desired DNA.

Insights

  • Recombinant DNA Technology involves creating new genes by modifying existing ones and then cloning them to produce multiple copies.
  • Plasmids, circular DNA molecules found in bacteria, serve as vectors to introduce modified genes into cells, enabling the amplification of desired DNA fragments through the use of restriction enzymes.

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Recent questions

  • What is Recombinant DNA Technology?

    Recombinant DNA Technology involves modifying pre-existing genes to create new genes known as recombinant genes. This process allows for the creation of novel genetic material by combining DNA from different sources.

  • How are genes cloned in Recombinant DNA Technology?

    After forming the modified gene, the next step is to clone it to produce many copies. Cloning involves replicating the recombinant gene multiple times to obtain a large quantity of the desired DNA sequence for further study or use.

  • What is the role of vectors in Recombinant DNA Technology?

    To amplify the gene of interest, a vector is needed to introduce the novel gene into a cell without destroying the DNA molecule. Vectors act as carriers to transport the recombinant gene into host cells for replication and expression.

  • What are plasmids and how are they used in Recombinant DNA Technology?

    Plasmids are circular double-stranded DNA molecules found in prokaryotic cells like bacteria, which can be used as vectors in Recombinant DNA Technology. These plasmids can be engineered in a laboratory to carry specific genes that confer unique traits to host cells.

  • How are restriction enzymes utilized in Recombinant DNA Technology?

    Restriction enzymes are used to insert DNA fragments into plasmids in Recombinant DNA Technology. These enzymes cut the DNA at specific recognition sites, allowing for the insertion of foreign DNA fragments into the plasmid. This process enables the inactivation of certain genes and the replication of the desired DNA fragment within the host cell.

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Summary

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Creating Recombinant Genes Through DNA Cloning

  • Recombinant DNA Technology involves modifying pre-existing genes to create new genes known as recombinant genes.
  • After forming the modified gene, the next step is to clone it to produce many copies.
  • To amplify the gene of interest, a vector is needed to introduce the novel gene into a cell without destroying the DNA molecule.
  • Plasmids, circular double-stranded DNA molecules found in prokaryotic cells like bacteria, can be used as vectors.
  • Plasmids can be engineered in a laboratory to contain special genes that give cells unique abilities, such as toxin production or antibiotic resistance.
  • Plasmids like pBR322 and pUC18 are commonly used in biochemistry for cloning recombinant DNA molecules.
  • Restriction enzymes are used to insert DNA fragments into plasmids, inactivating certain genes and allowing for replication of the desired DNA fragment.
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