Final answer:
A DNA library is a collection of different recombinant molecules that can include a wide range of DNA sequences from an organism's genome, maintained for the purpose of research and biotechnology.
Step-by-step explanation:
A collection of many different recombinant molecules that can be maintained and replicated is called a DNA library. These libraries are essential tools in biotechnology and genetic research as they store a vast number of different DNA sequences which can represent all the possible fragments of an organism's genome. In practice, these libraries can be a physical tube full of recombinant bacteriophage, or they can be collections of bacterial clones with plasmids carrying foreign DNA, each plasmid containing a fragmentary insert of DNA from another organism.
Creating a genomic library through molecular cloning is a fundamental process that allows scientists to replicate and study specific gene sequences. Plasmids are often used as vectors in this process, providing the means to insert and maintain foreign DNA within a bacterial host for further experimentation and analysis. Recombinant proteins can be expressed from these plasmids, which are engineered for controlled gene expression triggered by environmental factors.