Recombinant DNA

Recombinant DNA (rDNA)
 

Recombinant DNA contains DNA from 2 or more different sources. 

Vector: the means of by which rDNA is introduced into a host cell.
Plasmid: found in the cytoplasm of bacteria, a plasmid is beneficial to making rDNA since it acts as a vector. Plasmids are small accessory rings of DNA. They carry genes not present in bacterial chromosome.
Two enzymes are needed to make rDNA (Next part makes more sense if this here makes sense to you):

Restriction enzyme: cleaves both the plasmid and human DNA.
DNA Ligase: Seals foreign DNA into the opening created by restriction enzyme.


To make insulin:

1. Choose your Vector (host) We will use a plasmid from a bacterium for this.

2. Remove the plasmid from the bacterium.
3. With the help of restriction enzyme, isolate and remove the gene for insulin from the human DNA.
4. Again with the restriction enzyme, cleave a space for the insulin gene in the plasmid.
5. insert gene into vector and seal with DNA ligase.
*******now you have rDNA*************
6. Host cell takes up recombined plasmid.
7. Plasmid is cloned as host cell reproduces.
8. Multiple copies of the cloned gene are replicated and if this cloned insulin gene functions normally (as inspected by an investigator) the product (insulin)  may also be retrieved.


List three specific uses for recombinant DNA or transgenic organisms.
1. Vaccinations
2. Mass production of products to be used in the human body- insulin for example, that would be expensive and harder to achieve by harvesting it from other sources.
3. Growth hormones to produce leaner meat, for slaughter.