Final answer:
Recombinant DNA is created by cutting DNA using restriction enzymes and inserting the DNA fragment into a plasmid vector. This is followed by joining the DNA with DNA ligase, introducing the recombinant DNA into bacteria, and using bacterial transformation to amplify the DNA.
Step-by-step explanation:
Process of Making Recombinant DNA
The production of recombinant DNA involves several key steps. Firstly, the DNA of interest (often called foreign DNA or insert DNA), such as the gene for insulin, is isolated. Next, this DNA is cut using a specific restriction enzyme that recognizes certain sequences; the same enzyme is used to cut open a plasmid vector. These cut ends are known as sticky ends. After this, the foreign DNA is inserted into the plasmid vector, creating the recombinant plasmid.
Following insertion, DNA ligase is used to join the foreign DNA to the plasmid, forming a cohesive and stable recombinant DNA molecule. This molecule is then introduced into a host cell, commonly a bacterium, through a process known as bacterial transformation. Here, the recombinant DNA is taken up by the bacteria, which are then grown on selective media that allow only cells containing the plasmid vector with the foreign DNA to survive.
Finally, these bacteria multiply and replicate the recombinant DNA, producing multiple copies. The protein product encoded by the inserted gene, such as insulin, can then be harvested and used for various applications in medicine and research.