recombinant DNA technology

recombinant [re-kom´bĭ-nant]

1. the new entity (e.g., gene, protein, cell, individual) that results from genetic recombination.

2. pertaining or relating to such an entity.

recombinant DNA technology the process of taking a gene from one organism and inserting it into the DNA of another; called also gene splicing. One commonly used technique involves the insertion of a new fragment of DNA that codes for a specific protein such as human insulin into a bacterium such as Escherichia coli. The gene is first inserted into a plasmid, a self-replicating ring of DNA involved in the transfer of genes between bacteria. The plasmid is cut at a specific site by using a special cutting enzyme called a restriction endonuclease. The same procedure is used to cut out a segment of DNA from another organism, for example, the gene for human insulin. This fragment of insulin DNA is inserted into the plasmid and then sealed into place by an annealing enzyme. The altered plasmid is then taken up by bacterium and incorporated into the genome. When the bacterial cells divide they pass on the new information to the next generation. This produces clones of bacteria that produce large quantities of the new protein, in this example, insulin.



This process has had great impact in the field of medicine. It has revolutionized the manufacture of pharmaceutical products, where it is used to manufacture a variety of proteins used in the treatment of disease, including hormones, vaccines, and interferons.

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recombinant

1. the new cell or individual that derives some of its genetic material from one parent and some from another, genetically different parent.

2. pertaining or relating to such cells or individuals.

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recombinant DNA technology

a mixture of technologies developed in the 1970s that include (a) specific cleavage of DNA by restriction endonucleases; (b) nucleic acid hybridization which makes it possible to identify specific sequences of DNA or RNA; (c) DNA cloning whereby a specific DNA fragment is integrated (spliced) into a rapidly replicating, high yielding genetic element (plasmid or virus) so that it can be amplified in bacteria or yeast; (d) DNA sequencing of the nucleotides in a cloned DNA fragment.

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recombinant DNA technology

Molecular biology The chopping of DNA and moving the pieces, permitting direct examination of the human genome, and identifying the genetic components of various disorders; RDT is also used to develop diagnostic tests, drugs and biologicals for treating disease; the constellation of techniques that comprise 'genetic engineering', in which a gene producing a protein of interest from one organism is spliced into the genome of another organism–eg, a phage DNA integrated into a plasmid is inserted into a 'carrier' bacterium. See Genetic engineering, pBR322, PCR.