recombinant DNA

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DNA extraction and recombinant DNA technology

A step-by-step diagram shows donor DNA and vector DNA cut with restriction enzymes to create overhangs, mixed and sealed with ligase to form recombinant DNA, which is introduced into bacterial cells. The recombinant DNA replicates as the cells divide, producing clones.

A step-by-step diagram illustrating the creation of a genomic DNA library: DNA is isolated from cells, cut with restriction enzymes, joined to plasmid vectors using DNA ligase, inserted into bacteria, and then amplified and collected for genetic research.

Diagram illustrating the creation of a cDNA library: mRNA undergoes reverse transcription to form cDNA, which is cleaved and combined with cleaved plasmid vectors using ligation, then inserted into E. coli bacteria for amplification, resulting in test tubes containing a cDNA library of actively transcribed genes.

Learn how a genetic fingerprint is made using agarose gel, Southern blotting, and a radioactive DNA probe

A step-by-step diagram shows gene knockout in mice, starting with gene inactivation using recombinant DNA, incorporation into embryonic stem cells, injection into embryos, implantation in a female mouse, and resulting offspring with different genetic types for research.

A step-by-step diagram shows the process of creating genetically modified plants using recombinant DNA technology, from inserting an insecticidal gene into plant cells to growing plants that kill insect pests.

Dense rows of tall green corn plants in a genetically modified corn field, with tassels visible at the top against a pale sky.

At a Glance

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recombinant DNA technology summary

recombinant DNA: Media

genetic engineering

Videos

Learn how a genetic fingerprint is made using agarose gel, Southern blotting, and a radioactive DNA probe

Learn how a genetic fingerprint is made using agarose gel, Southern blotting, and a radioactive DNA probe

Learn about how DNA is extracted, treated with restriction enzymes, and sequenced...

Video: Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

Images

DNA extraction and recombinant DNA technology

DNA extraction and recombinant DNA technology

The process of DNA extraction is necessary to isolate molecules of DNA from cells...

Dr. Dominik Refardt/University of Basel, Switzerland.

A step-by-step diagram shows donor DNA and vector DNA cut with restriction enzymes to create overhangs, mixed and sealed with ligase to form recombinant DNA, which is introduced into bacterial cells. The recombinant DNA replicates as the cells divide, producing clones.

Recombinant DNA

Steps involved in the engineering of a recombinant DNA molecule.

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

A step-by-step diagram illustrating the creation of a genomic DNA library: DNA is isolated from cells, cut with restriction enzymes, joined to plasmid vectors using DNA ligase, inserted into bacteria, and then amplified and collected for genetic research.

Genomic DNA library

DNA fragments that make up the full-length genome of an organism can be collected...

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

Diagram illustrating the creation of a cDNA library: mRNA undergoes reverse transcription to form cDNA, which is cleaved and combined with cleaved plasmid vectors using ligation, then inserted into E. coli bacteria for amplification, resulting in test tubes containing a cDNA library of actively transcribed genes.

cDNA library

The collection of only the genes that are encoded into proteins by an organism is...

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

A step-by-step diagram shows gene knockout in mice, starting with gene inactivation using recombinant DNA, incorporation into embryonic stem cells, injection into embryos, implantation in a female mouse, and resulting offspring with different genetic types for research.

Recombinant DNA technology and gene knockout

In gene knockout, a functional gene is replaced by an inactivated gene that is created...

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

A step-by-step diagram shows the process of creating genetically modified plants using recombinant DNA technology, from inserting an insecticidal gene into plant cells to growing plants that kill insect pests.

Genetically modified organisms

Scientific methods that include recombinant DNA technology are used to produce genetically...

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

Dense rows of tall green corn plants in a genetically modified corn field, with tassels visible at the top against a pale sky.

Genetically engineered corn (maize)

Plants can be genetically engineered to acquire traits that are not naturally present...

© S74/Shutterstock.com

Microarray

Microarray

A researcher observes fluorescent samples of DNA following microarray analysis.

© Patrick Dumas/Science Source

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