Recombinant DNA Technology

Recombinant DNA Technology is the name given to the process of creating artificial DNA by fusing DNA from various sources with various genetic components.

Genetic engineering is the term used to refer to recombinant DNA technologies.

In 1968, Swiss microbiologist Werner Arber made the discovery of restriction enzymes, which led to the development of the recombinant DNA technology.

It’s harder than it sounds to splice the desired gene into the host’s genome. It entails choosing the ideal vector with which to integrate the intended gene and create recombinant DNA after choosing the appropriate gene to be administered into the host.

As a result, the host must be given the recombinant DNA. Finally, it needs to be kept alive in the host and passed on to the progeny.

Recombinant DNA technology procedure

Recombinant DNA technology involves a number of stages kept in a particular order to produce the desired output.

 Step 1 : Isolating the genetic material.

Isolating the desired DNA in its pure state, that is, free of extraneous macromolecules, is the first and most important step in the recombinant DNA technology process.

Step 2. Cutting the gene at the recognition sites.

The restriction enzymes are important in deciding where to introduce the desired gene into the vector genome. Restrictions enzyme digestions are the name given to these processes.

Step 3: Using the Polymerase Chain Reaction to increase the gene copies (PCR).

Once the correct gene of interest has been cut using restriction enzymes, a single copy of DNA is multiplied into thousands to millions of copies.

Step 4 : Ligation of DNA molecules

The DNA ligase enzyme is used in this stage of ligation to connect the two pieces—a cut segment of DNA and the vector—together

Step 5: Recombinant DNA Insertion into Host, 

The recombinant DNA is now inserted into a recipient host cell in this stage. Transformation is the name given to this process. Recombinant DNA multiplies and is expressed in the form of the created protein under ideal conditions after being inserted into the host cell. There are several ways to accomplish this, as was discussed in Tools of recombinant DNA technology. The recombinant gene is passed down to the progeny by the successfully transformed cells or organisms.

Recombinant DNA technology application

HIV can also be identified in a person using DNA technology.

Gene therapy is a method used to try and fix the genetic flaws that cause hereditary disorders.

Clinical diagnosis uses recombinant technology; one example is ELISA.

Recombinant DNA technology is frequently employed in agriculture to create genetically modified species like Flavr Savr tomatoes, golden rice rich in proteins, Bt-cotton to guard the plant against ball worms, and many others.

Recombinant DNA technology is employed in the pharmaceutical industry to produce insulin.