Recombinant DNA Technology

Genetic material from different sources is combined to form recombinant DNA. This technique is called recombinant DNA technology.

For example, a gene of interest, such as the human insulin gene, is taken from one source and inserted into a plasmid vector, which is a self-replicating DNA molecule.

The process begins when a restriction endonuclease cuts both the donor DNA and vector DNA at specific sequences. These cuts can create compatible sticky ends that help the DNA fragments join together.

Next, DNA ligase joins the donor DNA to the vector DNA, forming recombinant DNA.

The recombinant DNA is then introduced into a competent host cell, such as a bacterium treated with calcium ions to help it take up foreign DNA from its surroundings through a process called transformation.

The host cells are then grown under suitable conditions. As the bacterial cells multiply, they replicate the recombinant DNA, making multiple copies of the gene of interest.

The host cell can also use its cellular machinery to produce the protein encoded by the inserted gene. For example, bacteria carrying the human insulin gene can produce insulin.