Recombinant DNA

Recombinant DNA is DNA that has been artificially created by combining genetic material from multiple sources, often different species. This technology allows scientists to cut and splice together DNA fragments (for example, inserting a human gene into a bacterial plasmid), resulting in a novel DNA sequence that does not occur naturally.

• Recombinant DNA technology (genetic engineering) is used to produce important proteins for medicine, such as human insulin made by bacteria.
• DNA molecules used to carry foreign DNA into host cells are called <u>vectors</u> (common vectors include plasmids and modified viruses).
• Don't confuse "recombinant DNA" with natural genetic recombination during meiosis - recombinant DNA refers specifically to DNA engineered in the lab.

• Often tested in the context of cloning or genetic engineering techniques - e.g., a question might ask about inserting a gene into a plasmid to create recombinant DNA and express a protein.
• May appear in questions about biotechnology products: e.g., "What technique allows bacteria to produce human insulin?" (Answer: using recombinant DNA to insert the human insulin gene into bacteria).