Final answer:
The correct answer is option b. A molecule consisting of combined DNA from different organisms is called recombinant DNA, which is used for producing proteins like human insulin by genetically modifying bacteria. The correct answer is 'b. recombinant DNA'.
Step-by-step explanation:
A molecule that consists of a piece of DNA from one organism combined with the DNA from another species is known as recombinant DNA. This cutting-edge technology allows for the artificial combination of genetic material sourced from different organisms, which does not naturally occur in the environment. By utilizing restriction enzymes, DNA fragments can be precisely cut and joined to form new DNA constructs. Once inserted into plasmids, these constructs can be used to transform organisms and compel them to produce specific proteins, such as human insulin when bacterial cells are transformed using human insulin genes.
The process of producing recombinant DNA includes the identification and extraction of the desired gene from one organism and its subsequent insertion into the plasmid of another, often bacteria like Escherichia coli (E. coli). This results in genetically modified organisms or GMOs, which can express proteins that are medically or industrially beneficial, such as enzymes or hormones.
The correct option for the student's question is 'b. recombinant DNA'.