RECOMBINANT DNA TECHNOLOGY

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic Acid, a large molecule made up of nucleotides that carries genetic information.

Nucleus

The organelle in a cell that houses the DNA.

Mitochondrion

The organelle responsible for producing energy in the cell and contains its own DNA called mitochondrial DNA.

Gene

A unit of heredity in a living organism that carries information to build and maintain cells and pass genetic traits to offspring.

Genome

The complete set of genes in an organism, represented by its DNA.

Genetic Engineering

The manipulation of an organism's DNA, including the artificial recombination of DNA from different organisms to create recombinant DNA.

Restriction Enzymes/Endonucleases

Enzymes that cut DNA at specific sequences, often used in genetic engineering.

Polymerase

An enzyme that helps synthesize new strands of DNA.

Ligase

An enzyme that helps bind DNA fragments together.

Vectors

DNA molecules used as vehicles to transport and integrate desired genes into host organisms.

Host Organism

The organism into which recombinant DNA is introduced, commonly bacteria in genetic engineering.

Steps in Genetic Engineering

The process of isolating, mapping, inserting, and amplifying target genes to create recombinant DNA and introduce it into a host organism.

Applications of Genetic Engineering

The use of genetic engineering techniques in various fields, including gene therapy, production of medically useful biologicals, vaccine production, and genetically modified crops or organisms.

Genetically Modified Crops

Crops that have been genetically modified using genetic engineering techniques to enhance certain traits or characteristics.

Flavr Savr Tomatoes

Genetically modified tomatoes that were engineered to have a longer shelf life.

Bt Corn

Genetically modified corn that contains genes from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis, making it resistant to certain pests.

Each nucleotide has three parts:

1. Sugar (ribose)

2. Phosphate molecule 

3. Nitrogenous base 

The nitrogenous base is part of the nucleotide of d