Recombinant
DNA Technology
Learning Competency:
The learners should be able to discuss the applications of
Recombinant DNA Technology (STEM_BIO11/12-III a-b-7)
A technique mainly used to change the
phenotype of an organism (host) when a
genetically altered vector is introduced
and integrated into the genome of the
organism. So, basically, this process
involves the introduction of a foreign
piece of DNA structure into the genome
which contains our gene of interest. This
gene which is introduced is the
recombinant gene and the technique is
called the recombinant DNA
technology.
What is Recombinant DNA Technology?
The technology used for producing artificial DNA through the
combination of different genetic materials (DNA) from
different sources is referred to as Recombinant DNA
Technology. Recombinant DNA technology is popularly known
as genetic engineering.
The recombinant DNA
technology emerged with
the discovery of
restriction enzymes in the
year 1968 by Swiss
microbiologist Werner
Arber,
Inserting the desired gene into the genome of the host is not
as easy as it sounds. It involves the selection of the desired
gene for administration into the host followed by a selection of
the perfect vector with which the gene has to be integrated
and recombinant DNA formed.
Thus the recombinant DNA has to be introduced into the host.
And at last, it has to be maintained in the host and carried
forward to the offspring.
Tools Of Recombinant DNA Technology
The enzymes which include the restriction enzymes help to
cut, the polymerases- help to synthesize and the ligases- help
to bind.
Process of Recombinant DNA Technology
The complete process of recombinant DNA
technology includes multiple steps, maintained in a
specific sequence to generate the desired product.
Step-1. Isolation of Genetic Material.
The first and the initial step in Recombinant DNA
technology is to isolate the desired DNA in its pure form
i.e. free from other macromolecules.
[Link] the gene at the recognition sites.
The restriction enzymes play a major role in determining the
location at which the desired gene is inserted into the vector
genome. These reactions are called ‘restriction enzyme
digestions’.
Step-3. Amplifying the gene copies through Polymerase
chain reaction (PCR).
It is a process to amplify a single copy of DNA into
thousands to millions of copies once the proper gene of
interest has been cut using restriction enzymes.
Step-4. Ligation of DNA Molecules.
In this step of Ligation, the joining of the two pieces – a
cut fragment of DNA and the vector together with the
help of the enzyme DNA ligase.
Step-5. Insertion of Recombinant DNA Into Host.
In this step, the recombinant DNA is introduced into a recipient
host cell. This process is termed as Transformation. Once the
recombinant DNA is inserted into the host cell, it gets multiplied
and is expressed in the form of the manufactured protein under
optimal conditions.
Application of Recombinant DNA Technology
• DNA technology is also used to detect the presence of HIV in a person.
• Gene Therapy – It is used as an attempt to correct the gene defects which
give rise to heredity diseases.
• Clinical diagnosis – ELISA is an example where the application of
recombinant
• Recombinant DNA technology is widely used in Agriculture to produce
genetically-modified organisms such as Flavr Savr tomatoes, golden rice
rich in proteins, and Bt-cotton to protect the plant against ball worms and a
lot [Link]
• the field of medicines, Recombinant DNA technology is used for the
production of Insulin.
