Recombinant DNA

• Genetic engineering


  The direct manipulation of an organism's genes using biotechnology
• Genetic engineering process


  1. Removing a gene (target gene) from one organism

  2. Inserting target gene into DNA of another organism

  3. 'Cut and paste' process
• Genetic engineering breaks the species barrier
• Examples of cross-species transfer of genes


  • A human gene inserted into a bacterium
  • A human gene inserted into another animal
  • A bacteria gene placed in a plant
• DNA technology


  A specialized area of biotechnology that focuses on the ability to analyze, manipulate and "cut and paste" DNA pieces
• Recombinant DNA


  DNA made by mixing DNA from two different sources
• Restriction enzymes were discovered in 1968 by Swiss microbiologist Werner Arber
• Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)


  An organism with altered DNA
• DNA is stable and unchangeable for the most part, but new technologies allow us to alter the DNA of humans and other organisms
• Recombinant DNA technology


  Useful in gene cloning and in identifying the function of a gene
• Clone


  An exact genetic copy
• Reasons for gene cloning

  • Use in medicine
  • Use in agriculture
• Vector


  Used in recombinant DNA technology to produce useful proteins like insulin
• Recombinant DNA technology helps create insulin so it can be used by humans
• Genetic engineering refers to techniques used to modify the genotype of an organism to change its phenotype
• Recombinant DNA technology refers to the methods used to modify, measure, manipulate and manufacture within the DNA molecule