The principle of genetic engineering is to manipulate and modify the genetic material of an organism to incorporate desirable traits. Recombinant DNA technology is the main pillar of genetic engineering.
Recombinant DNA Technology is a technique to alter the genes of an organism. The desired gene is inserted into host using recombinant DNA technology. The host shows the desired trait phenotypically, which is governed by the inserted gene.
The recombinant DNA technology involves the following main steps:
- Selection of the desired gene
- Selection of vector for the transfer of the gene known as a cloning vector, e.g. plasmid
- Insertion of recombinant DNA into the host
- Maintaining the introduced DNA in the host so that it is passed on to the next generation
Recombinant DNA Technology requires various tools like vector, host and enzymes such as restriction enzymes, ligases, polymerases, etc.
Process
- Restriction enzymes are known as molecular scissors that cut the desired sequence of DNA.
- This DNA is then ligated into the vector with the help of ligases before inserting it into the host organism.
- The DNA-vector combination is known as the Recombinant DNA which is then transformed into the host.
- This recombinant DNA along with the foreign DNA gets multiplied within the host.
- It is then provided with optimum conditions to induce the expression of the target protein. This protein is known as the recombinant protein.
- Many genetically modified crops are produced using this technology, e.g. Bt cotton, a pest-resistant variety of cotton.
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