Restriction Enzymes and Cloning

Restriction enzymes

Specific endonucleases recognizing and cleaving DNA at specific sequences

Recognition sequences

Short DNA sequences, often palindromes, cut by restriction enzymes

Palindrome

DNA sequence read the same forward and backward

Sticky ends

DNA fragments lacking complementary bases

Methylases

Enzymes adding methyl groups to DNA bases to prevent cleavage

Cloning vectors

DNA molecules carrying foreign DNA into host cells for replication

Plasmid

Circular DNA replicating inside bacterial cells, used as a cloning vector

Recombinant DNA

DNA combining genetic material from different sources

Transformation

Introducing foreign DNA into bacterial cells

Ligation reaction

Joining DNA fragments using DNA ligase

Competent cells

Bacterial cells capable of taking up foreign DNA

T4 Phage

Virus infecting bacterial cells, used in genetic engineering

Genetic engineering

Manipulating DNA to produce proteins with specific advantages

Human insulin synthesis

Using recombinant DNA to produce insulin for diabetic patients