Recombinant DNA technology
Recombinant DNA technology
Recombinant DNA technology (pronunciation: /riːˌkɒmbɪˈneɪt ˈdiː.enˈeɪ tekˈnɒlədʒi/), also known as genetic engineering, is a series of procedures used to join together DNA sequences from two or more different organisms, followed by the insertion of the result into a host organism to produce new genetic combinations that are of value to science, medicine, agriculture, and industry.
Etymology
The term "recombinant DNA technology" is derived from the process of recombination, where DNA molecules from different sources are combined in vitro into one molecule to create a new gene. This is a form of genetic engineering.
Related Terms
- DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid, a self-replicating material present in nearly all living organisms as the main constituent of chromosomes. It is the carrier of genetic information.
- Gene: A unit of heredity which is transferred from a parent to offspring and is held to determine some characteristic of the offspring.
- Genetic Engineering: The deliberate modification of the characteristics of an organism by manipulating its genetic material.
- Plasmid: A genetic structure in a cell that can replicate independently of the chromosomes, typically a small circular DNA strand in the cytoplasm of a bacterium or protozoan.
- Vector (molecular biology): A DNA molecule used as a vehicle to artificially carry foreign genetic material into another cell, where it can be replicated and/or expressed.
- Restriction enzyme: A protein produced by bacteria that cleaves DNA at specific sites along the molecule.
Applications
Recombinant DNA technology has been used to create different types of medicines and vaccines, to diagnose diseases, to produce crops that are resistant to pests, diseases, and harsh environmental conditions, and to produce animals with desirable traits. It has also been used in the field of gene therapy to replace defective genes with functional ones.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Recombinant DNA technology
- Wikipedia's article - Recombinant DNA technology
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