Lecture Notes: Recombinant DNA Technology (Genetic Engineering and Gene Cloning)

I General Info

A. Landmarks in modern genetics 1. Rediscovery of Mendel’s work 2. Chromosomal theory of inheritance 3. DNA as the genetic material 4. Recombinant DNA technology development and applications B. Recombinant DNA refers to the creation of new combinations of DNA segments that are not found together in nature. The isolation and manipulation of genes allows for more precise genetic analysis as well as practical applications in medicine, agriculture, and industry. C. Fundamental changes in our society are occurring as a result of genetic engineering.

II. Making recombinant DNA Overview: Isolate DNA ‡ Cut with restriction enzymes ‡ Ligate into cloning vector ‡ transform recombinant DNA molecule into host cell ‡ each transformed cell will divide many, many times to form a colony of millions of cells, each of which carries the recombinant DNA molecule (DNA clone)