RECOMBINANT DNA TECHNOLOGY

It is a technology that allows DNA to be produced via artificial means. It is the joining together of DNA molecules from two different species that are

inserted into a host organism to produce new genetic combinations that are of value to science, medicine, agriculture, and industry. Since the focus of all genetics is the gene, the fundamental goal of laboratory geneticists is to isolate, characterize, and manipulate genes. Although it is relatively easy to isolate a sample of DNA from a collection of cells, finding a specific gene within this DNA sample can be compared to finding a needle in a haystack.

HOW DOES DNA TECHNOLOGY TRANSFERS BACTERIAL GENES FROM CELL TO CELL?

This diagram will show the steps involved in the engineering of

Recombinant DNA (rDNA) molecule general illustrate or diagram the to the

transfer of bacterial genes cell. from cell to

Gene Transfer between cells generally consists of the following steps:

To isolate a gene, we must extract the cells DNA. A gene can be introduced into a cell using a vector. A vector is a vehicle by which a gene is transferred from one cell to another.

*A plasmid can be used as a vector. It is a circular DNA molecule found in some bacteria.

The vector must be extracted from the bacterium before it can be used as a vector.

Now we need to isolate the gene that we want from the DNA. For this we use reaction enzymes (known as biological scissors). These are molecules that cut DNA in specific places so we can isolate a specific gene.

The vector must be exposed to the same restriction enzyme, so that a gap in the circular DNA opens to combine with a new piece of a DNA (a gene).

The restriction enzyme cuts the same site on both molecules. The ends of the cut have an overhanging piece of single-stranded DNA. These are called STICKYENDS.

Now we must recombine the vector and the gene. The sticky ends are able to base pair with any DNA molecule containing the complementary sticky ends. Another enzyme called ligase links the two into a molecule of a recombinant DNA (rDNA).

The recombinant piece of DNA now contains the new gene, which is introduced into bacterial cells. This process is called transformation. There are several transformation methods that can be used to introduce a gene into a cell.

Once the desired gene is transferred into the cell, the cell replicates and divides. The new cells contain the inserted gene known as transgene.

Then this diagram will show the steps involved in the collection of genomic DNA Library (genes)
A genomic DNA library is a collection of DNA fragments that make up the full-length genome of an organism. A genomic library is created by isolating DNA from cells and then amplifying it using DNA cloning technology.