GENETICS

Recombinant DNA
(rDNA)

STEM 302 – General Biology II

Objectives
At the end of the lesson, learners should be able to:

● Outline the processes involved in genetic

engineering; and
● Discuss the applications of recombinant
DNA.
Let’s review!

What is a DNA?

What does DNA do?

 Recombinant DNA
Often shortened to rDNA, is an artificially made DNA strand that is
formed by the combination of two or more gene sequences.

This new combination may or may not occur naturally but is

engineered specifically for a purpose to be used in one of the many
applications of recombinant DNA.
 GENETIC ENGINEERING

✓ Genetic engineering is defined as the

direct manipulation of an organism’s
genes including heritable and
nonheritable recombinant DNA
constructs.
 GENETIC ENGINEERING

✓ Genetic engineering comprises

multiple techniques for the
intentional manipulation of genetic
material (primarily deoxyribonucleic
acid, or DNA) to alter, repair, or
enhance form or function.
 rDNA vs. GENETIC ENGINEERING

rDNA: Genetic Engineering:

The DNA created by joining Refers to the various techniques

together pieces of DNA from and procedures being used in
different sources gene manipulation
Tools
needed in

rDNA Technology
Restriction enzymes/endonucleases: helps to cut
Polymerase: helps to synthesize
Ligase: helps to bind
The Vectors
- Helps in carrying and integrating the desired gene.
- Plasmids and bacteriophages are the most common vectors in
recombinant DNA technology
- Cosmid, Fungi, and Plasmid

Host Organism
- Into which the recombinant DNA is introduced.

Modifying Enzymes
- These are DNA ligase for joining or connecting DNA and Taq polymerase
for making new strands of DNA
Steps
1 Isolation of the target gene

2 Insertion of the target gene into a vector

3 Introduction of vector into host

4 Amplification of the target gene

 Applications of
Genetic Engineering
DNA technology is also used to detect the presence of HIV in a
person.

Gene Therapy – It is used as an attempt to correct the gene

defects which give rise to heredity diseases.

Clinical diagnosis – ELISA is an example where the application

of recombinant

Recombinant DNA technology is widely used in Agriculture to

produce genetically-modified organisms such as Flavr Savr
tomatoes, golden rice rich in proteins, and Bt-cotton to protect
the plant against ball worms and a lot more.
 DNA Cloning
✓ Clones are genetically identical as the cell
simply replicates producing identical daughter
cells every time.

✓ Yeast cells, viruses, and Plasmids are the most

commonly used vectors. Plasmids are circular
DNA molecules that are introduced from
bacteria.
Applications of
DNA Cloning
Gene Cloning plays an important role in the medicinal field. It is
used in the production of hormones, vitamins and antibiotics.

It can be applied to the science of identifying and detecting a

clone containing a particular gene which can be manipulated by
growing in a controlled environment.

It is used in gene therapy where a faulty gene is replaced by

the insertion of a healthy gene. Medical ailments such as
leukemia and sickle cell anemia can be treated with this
principle.
Assignment: