Recombinant DNA Technology Basics

• Recombinant DNA technology is a method for transferring DNA from one organism to another, introducing new traits or characteristics
• Obtaining a DNA fragment with the desired gene from a donor cell is the first step
• An appropriate plasmid, commonly used as a vector to transfer the gene, is secured from a bacterium
• Restriction enzyme is used to cut both the DNA fragment and the plasmid at specific points
• DNA ligase joins the cut DNA fragment to the open plasmid, forming a recombinant plasmid
• This recombinant plasmid can then be introduced into a host cell to produce proteins of other species or genetically modified organisms with new traits.

Learn the fundamental steps of recombinant DNA technology, from obtaining a DNA fragment to introducing the recombinant plasmid into a host cell. Understand how this method is used to transfer DNA and introduce new traits in organisms.