Chapter 26, Problem 2A

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

The basic procedure in genetic engineering is to extract and cut up DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) from a donor genome into fragments of one to several genes. After cutting up the DNA one needs to allow these fragments to insert themselves individually into opened-up small autonomously replicating DNA molecules such as bacterial plasmids. These small circular molecules act as carriers, or vectors, for the DNA fragments.

The vector molecules with their inserts are named recombinant DNA because they consist of novel combinations of DNA from the donor genome with vector DNA from a completely different source. The recombinant DNA mixture is then used to transform bacterial cells. It is common for single recombinant vector molecules to find their way into individual bacterial cells. The process includes various enzymes for cleaving and inserting genes.