Gene cloning
Gene Cloning
Gene cloning (pronunciation: /dʒiːn kləʊnɪŋ/), also known as Molecular Cloning or DNA Cloning, is a molecular biology technique that creates copies of particular segments of DNA. The term "cloning" is derived from the Greek word "klōn", meaning "twig".
Etymology
The term "gene cloning" combines the concept of a gene, from the Greek word "genea" meaning "generation" or "race", with the concept of cloning, from the Greek "klōn" meaning "twig". This reflects the process of creating identical copies, or clones, of a specific gene.
Process
Gene cloning involves several steps:
- Isolation of DNA containing the target gene.
- Insertion of the isolated DNA into a suitable vector to form a recombinant DNA molecule.
- Introduction of the recombinant DNA into a suitable organism, often a bacterium, to form a recombinant organism.
- Replication of the recombinant organism, and hence replication of the target gene within it.
Applications
Gene cloning has a wide range of applications, including:
- Genetic Engineering: Gene cloning is a fundamental technique in genetic engineering, where it is used to create genetically modified organisms.
- Medicine: In medicine, gene cloning is used to produce large quantities of proteins for use as pharmaceuticals.
- Agriculture: In agriculture, gene cloning is used to create genetically modified crops that are resistant to pests or environmental conditions.
Related Terms
- Vector: A DNA molecule used as a vehicle to artificially carry foreign genetic material into another cell.
- Recombinant DNA: DNA that has been formed artificially by combining constituents from different organisms.
- Plasmid: A genetic structure in a cell that can replicate independently of the chromosomes.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Gene cloning
- Wikipedia's article - Gene cloning
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