RECOMBINANT GMO

Recombinant Gene Technology

A genetic engineering method that combines DNA from different sources to create a new DNA sequence.

Recombinant DNA

Artificial DNA formed by combining genetic material from different sources.

Restriction Enzyme

An enzyme that cuts DNA at specific recognition sequences.

DNA Ligase

An enzyme that joins DNA fragments by forming phosphodiester bonds.

Vector

A DNA molecule, such as a bacterial plasmid, used to carry foreign DNA into a host cell.

Plasmid

A small, usually circular DNA molecule in bacteria that can carry an inserted gene.

Host Cell

A cell that receives recombinant DNA and can replicate it or express the inserted gene.

E. coli

A bacterium commonly used as a host cell to produce proteins through recombinant DNA technology.

Recombinant Insulin

Insulin produced by genetically engineered microorganisms, such as E. coli, carrying the human insulin gene.

Steps of Recombinant Gene Technology

1. Cut the target gene and vector. 2. Join them using DNA ligase. 3. Insert the recombinant vector into a host cell. 4. Allow the host cell to replicate or produce the desired protein.

Purpose of Recombinant Gene Technology

To produce useful products, such as human insulin, using genetically engineered cells.

Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)

An organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques, such as recombinant DNA or gene editing.

Types of GMO

Transgenic, cisgenic, and gene-edited organisms.

Transgenic Organism

A genetically modified organism containing a transgene introduced from a different species.

Transgene

A gene introduced into an organism through genetic engineering, typically from another species in transgenic modification.

Purpose of Transgenic Modification

To introduce new traits, such as pest resistance or production of a desired protein.

Cisgenic Organism

An organism modified using a gene from the same species or a sexually compatible relative, generally with its native regulatory sequences.

Purpose of Cisgenic Modification

To introduce desirable traits, such as disease resistance or improved growth, using compatible genetic material.

Gene-Edited Non-Transgenic Organism

An organism with targeted DNA changes that does not retain foreign DNA.

Gene Editing vs. Transgenic Modification

Gene editing makes targeted changes to DNA; transgenic modification introduces DNA from a different species.

Intragenic Organism

An organism modified using combinations of genes and regulatory DNA from the same species or a sexually compatible relative.

Cisgenic vs. Intragenic Modification

Cisgenic modification typically transfers an intact gene with its native regulatory sequences; intragenic modification can combine genetic elements from compatible sources in new arrangements.

Regulatory Status of Gene-Edited Organisms

The classification and regulation of gene-edited organisms vary by jurisdiction and by the modification made.

Cisgenic Species

An organism modified by transferring a complete, natural gene from the same or a sexually compatible species, including its original promoter, introns, and terminator sequences.

Intragenic Species

An organism modified using rearranged combinations of genetic elements, such as promoters, coding sequences, and terminators, from the same or a sexually compatible gene pool.

Cisgenic Modification Result

Introduces an additional copy of a natural gene that could potentially be transferred through conventional breeding.

Intragenic Modification Result

Creates novel combinations of compatible genetic elements that may be difficult to achieve through conventional breeding.

Cisgenic vs. Intragenic

Cisgenic transfers a complete natural gene with its original regulatory sequences; intragenic combines genetic elements into new arrangements.

Gene Silencing Construct

A designed DNA arrangement used to reduce or switch off the expression of a target gene; it can be produced using intragenic approaches.