Molecular cloning
Molecular Cloning
Molecular cloning (/məˈlɛkjʊlər ˈkloʊnɪŋ/), also known as gene cloning, is a set of experimental methods in molecular biology that are used to assemble recombinant DNA molecules and to direct their replication within host organisms. The use of the word cloning refers to the fact that the method involves the replication of one molecule to produce a population of cells with identical DNA molecules.
Etymology
The term "molecular cloning" originates from the fact that the process involves the replication (or cloning) of a molecular entity (such as a DNA molecule). The term "cloning" is derived from the Greek word "klōn", meaning "twig", because the process involves "branching out" and replicating the DNA molecule like a tree branch.
Method
Molecular cloning generally uses DNA sequences from two different organisms: the species that is the source of the DNA to be cloned, and the species that will serve as the living host for replication of the recombinant DNA. The cloning of any DNA fragment essentially involves four steps; fragmentation, ligation, transfection, and screening/selection.
Related Terms
- 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.
- Vector: A DNA molecule used as a vehicle to artificially carry foreign genetic material into another cell.
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR): A method widely used to rapidly make millions to billions of copies of a specific DNA sample.
- Transformation: The genetic alteration of a cell resulting from the direct uptake and incorporation of exogenous genetic material from its surroundings through the cell membrane(s).
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Molecular cloning
- Wikipedia's article - Molecular cloning
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