Genetic Engineering

What is gene cloning?

Transferring genes from one organism to another and having the “foreign” gene function to make a protein.

What is recombinant DNA?

DNA made from two or more different sources.

What is a plasmid and how is it used?

A plasmid is a small circular DNA molecule from bacteria, used as a vector to carry foreign genes into a host cell.

What enzyme is used to cut human DNA?

Restriction enzymes, which cut DNA at specific palindrome sequences.

What does cutting the human DNA with restriction enzymes produce?

A DNA fragment containing the desired gene.

Why must the plasmid be cut with the same restriction enzyme used on human DNA?

To create matching ends so the human gene can be inserted.

What enzyme joins the human DNA fragment to the plasmid?

DNA ligase.

How is the recombinant plasmid taken up by bacteria?

The bacterial cell is placed in a solution with the plasmid or given an electric shock to help it absorb the plasmid.

What happens once the plasmid with the foreign gene enters the bacterial cell?

The human gene is expressed to make its protein, and both the plasmid and gene replicate as the bacteria reproduce.