Recombinant DNA Technology Some basic terminology…

Recombinant DNA (rDNA)- contains DNA from 2 sources; DNA is inserted into that of another organism Vector- DNA piece that can be modified to accommodate a piece of foreign DNA Plasmid- Small accessory rings of DNA in bacteria (not part of bacterial chromosome) Cloned- identical copies of the same gene are produced

Recombining genes using bacterial plasmids

The process of Recombinant DNA Gene is removed from existing chromosome (released using special restriction enzymes) Bacterial plasmid is opened & gene is inserted Enzyme ligase is used to seal gene into plasmid Plasmid now contains rDNA (recombinant DNA)

Transgenic Plants Insertion of foreign genes into crop plants (ex. Tomatoes, corn, potatoes) to produce beneficial characteristics Ex. Plants inserted with gene which allows for the production of an insect toxin

An example of genetic engineering in plants

Transgenic Animals Insertion of genes into the eggs or embryos of animals Ex. Genes for the production of beneficial chemicals inserted in to cow embryos  these are produced & secreted in cow’s milk (chemicals to treat cystic fibrosis, blood diseases, etc)

An example of genetic engineering in animals

GFP or Green Fluorescent Protein is composed of 238 amino acid residues that exhibits bright green fluorescence when exposed to blue light. It has been introduced and expressed in many bacteria, yeast and other fungi, fish, plant, fly, and mammalian cells, including human.