Question

What is recombinant DNA?

a. A process involving the rearrangement of genetic material.
b. A technique used in geological surveys.
c. A type of cell division in bacteria.
d. A method to separate DNA strands.

Answer 1

Recombinant DNA is genetic material that has been artificially created by combining DNA from different sources, playing a key role in genetic engineering and biotechnology. It involves inserting a gene into a host cell, cloning the gene within the cell, and using the cloned DNA for various purposes, including the production of proteins for medicine.

Step-by-step explanation:

What is Recombinant DNA?

Recombinant DNA is genetic material that has been artificially created by combining DNA from two or more different sources. This technology is central to genetic engineering, where a gene from one organism is inserted into the DNA of another, allowing for the expression of new genetic traits. Recombinant DNA technology involves multiple steps:

1. A gene or piece of DNA is placed into a vector to create a recombinant DNA molecule.
2. The vector with the recombinant DNA is introduced into a host cell, such as a bacterium.
3. Inside the bacterial host, the gene is cloned as the bacteria replicate, producing millions of copies of the cloned DNA.
4. The cloned DNA can then be used to produce proteins like insulin for medical purposes or for research.

Biotechnology uses recombinant DNA to alter the genetic makeup of organisms to benefit humankind. Techniques such as gene cloning, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and blue-white screening are examples of how recombinant DNA technology can be applied.