1. Recombinant DNA Technology
Some basic terminology…

2. 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

3. Recombining genes using bacterial plasmids

4. 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)

5. 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

6. An example of genetic engineering in plants

7. 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)

8. An example of genetic engineering in animals

10. 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.