Recombinant DNA
Modern Science
What is Recombinant DNA?
Plasmids
How is rDNA Created?
The fist process, Transformation, begins by selecting a piece of DNA to be inserted into the vector (ex. plasmid). Next, you cut the DNA by using a restriction enzyme. Then, ligate the DNA insert into the vector with DNA Ligase. The vector is then inserted into a host cell. A common example of a host cell is E. Coli. These host cells must be specially prepared to take on forgien DNA.
The second method is called Non-Bacterial Transformation. This method is similar to Transformation. The only difference is that non-bacterial does not use bacterial cells such as E. Coli. This process uses eukaryotic cells.
The last process is called Phage Introduction. Phage introduction is the process of transfection, which is equivalent to transformation, except a phage is used instead of bacteria. A phage is any group of viruses that infect bacteria.
All three process are used for the same purpose. They are used to mix the DNA of two different organisms. By taking a strand of DNA from one organism, and inserting it in another organism's DNA, we have created recombinant DNA.