Recombinant DNA

Review Restriction enzymes cut DNA molecules at certain ‘restricted’ points A plasmid is also cut at the same point The ends match up and DNA ligase forms a link between the dangling or sticky ends of the DNA

Once the recombinant DNA is made then a host bacterium (often E. Coli) takes up the plasmid (it is ‘transformed). The bacteria that have taken up the recombinant DNA are selected. Then the bacterium produces the protein just as it would produce its own proteins.

E. Coli is commonly used for recombinant DNA ECORI is also from E. Coli Genes are often stored in host, like E.Coli

Uses for recombinant DNA Pharmaceutical products e.g. insulin, human growth hormone, interferon Vaccines e.g. hepatitis B vaccine Diagnostic testing e.g. using DNA problem

Uses cont’d Gene therapy cells are taken from patient then modified and replaced DNA fingerprinting used to find crime suspects and paternity cases

Gene therapy

DNA fingerprinting