Recombinant DNA and Genetic Recombination Quiz

Recombinant DNA Technology

• Recombinant DNA molecules are created by combining fragments from different sources, a process known as molecular cloning.

Key Requirements

• Expression of foreign proteins using recombinant DNA technology requires transcription and translation machinery.

DNA Manipulation Methods

• Restriction enzymes are used to cut DNA sequences into fragments, which can then be combined using DNA ligase, a process known as "cutting and pasting" DNA sequences.
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a method that involves replicating DNA within a living cell.

Molecular Cloning

• The process of transfecting suitable host cells with recombinant DNA molecules is necessary for molecular cloning.
• Cloning vectors, such as plasmids, are used to replicate and maintain recombinant DNA molecules in host cells.

Applications and Advantages

• Recombinant DNA technology has many applications, including the production of recombinant human insulin, which has the advantage of being more consistent and reliable than insulin obtained from animal sources.
• The most common application of recombinant DNA technology is the production of therapeutic proteins.
• Recombinant chymosin is used in cheese production to improve the efficiency and quality of the cheese-making process.

Exceptions

• Gene therapy is NOT an application of recombinant DNA technology.