From Wikipedia,
the free encyclopedia.
Recombinant DNA is an
artificial
DNA sequence resulting from
the combining of two other DNA
sequences in a
plasmid. Recombinant
proteins are proteins that are
produced by different
genetically modified organisms
following insertion of the
relevant
DNA into their
genome. As this recombines
the DNA of two different
organisms, the word recombinant
is used to refer to this process.
Uses
Recombinant DNA is used for
genetic transformation, to
produce genetically modified
organisms. Some examples of
recombinant DNA are
peptide hormone
medications, (including
insulin,
growth hormone, and
oxytocin), and
vaccines are the product of
recombinant processes. The
organism most commonly used is
Escherichia coli (E.coli).
Plasmids and Recombinant DNA
technology
Plasmids are extranuclear
fragments of DNA present in some
bacteria, which act as a system to
transfer genetic material to other
bacteria, allowing those to
express the transmitted genes. Via
restriction enzymes, which cut
determinate sequences of DNA in
determinate shapes, it is possible
to splice into the plasmid a DNA
sequence for a gene, and then
insert it into a bacteria in order
to get the product of that gene.
The product is the desired
protein, and large amounts can be
produced in a factory by large
vats of bacteria with the inserted
gene.
Note that this system is not
valid for advanced cells, as the
organization of their genome is
different. For these, other
systems such as viruses loaded
with the chosen material are
selected.
See also
