Bio - genetic engineering

• Recombinant DNA technology is a series of techniques used to manipulate and isolate DNA segments of interest
• The purpose is to insert the isolated DNA into a cell for cloning
• A vector, commonly a bacteria containing a plasmid, is used to create a recombinant vector
• The plasmid from the bacteria is combined with the gene of interest that has been isolated
• The plasmid is a separate piece of circular DNA located in the bacteria
• The plasmid consists of complementary DNA strands, just like normal DNA
• Restriction enzymes are used to cut the circular DNA at two specific points, creating two sticky ends
• The sticky ends are complementary to the DNA of interest, allowing for easier binding of the gene of interest to the plasmid
• DNA ligase is used to ensure proper binding of the gene of interest to the plasmid
• The result is a recombinant DNA plasmid, which can be inserted back into a bacterial cell for cloning or into a mammalian cell for transfection