Recombinant DNA Technology

• Recombinant DNA


  refers to the combination of two DNA strands that are constructed artificially
• DNA


  the Blueprint of Life
• Plasmid


  the small accessory ring of the DNA in some bacteria
• Restriction enzymes


  molecule used to cut a specific area of the DNA
• Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)


  an organism that contains genetic material from two different organisms
• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)


  technique used to make a million copies of a sample DNA
• Principles of Gel Electrophoresis

  • DNA fragments are separated based on size.
  • The smallest DNA fragments will move faster than the larger DNA fragments.
  • DNA fragments are injected into wells and an electric current is applied along with the gel.
•  Thermal Cycler


  equipment is used to amplify the DNA
• Primer


  starting point for DNA synthesis
• Vector


  organism used to transfer foreign genetic material into a cell
• Recombinant Human Growth Hormone

  
• Importance of Recombinant DNA Technology

  • Improving health conditions by developing vaccines, pharmaceuticals, diagnostic kits, monitoring devices, and therapeutic approaches.
  • Examples include the synthesis of synthetic human insulin and erythropoietin, and the production of experimental mutant mice for research.
  • Tackling environmental issues such as waste conversion into biofuels, oil spill cleanup, and detection of contaminants in drinking water.
  • Use of genetically modified microbes in biomining and bioremediation.