Recombinant DNA Technology

DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid is the main genetic material in the human body. The DNA  contains an individual’s genetic information and is basically responsible for further passing these genes into the offspring. 

Recombinant DNA technology is basically a DNA alteration to get a particular DNA sequence found in the primary DNA. It is performed to provide the host cell with the property of that DNA sequence. The entire technology depends on special DNA-carrying cells of organisms known as vectors which pass the DNA sequence to the cell of interest. 

rDNA

rDNA, also known as recombinant DNA, is a remarkable DNA alteration. DNA can be cloned via recombinant DNA technology. This method can replicate an exact DNA in other organisms to produce similar genetic traits. Hundreds of recombinant DNA are made these days, and their identical copies are used to produce different DNA clones. There has been significant research based on these clones.

To understand how DNA recombinant technology works, one must understand a few common terms. 

• Vector- A DNA vector is basically a carrier of a gene or DNA. A vector could be any genetic material. Vectors are important parts of recombinant DNA. In most cases, the most commonly used vector for scientific research is the plasmid. The plasmid is circular DNA, and its molecule could be extracted from bacteria, viruses, and even yeast cells. One must remember that plasmids are not the primary genetic material of any cell. These genes can also provide special features such as drug resistance, toxin production, and other features of the bacteria or the organism. The most important part of the plasmid is that they could be practically manipulated and even could be sliced up. Furthermore, they could also be mixed with the other DNA segments to get recombinant DNA.

• Donor DNA- The donor DNA is the one that has the set of genes that is needed to be spliced or cut off to be joined in the plasmid for the expression of those genes. The donor DNA must be very pure, and the selection of this DNA is the most important step in preparation for the rDNA technology creation.

• Restriction enzyme- Restriction enzyme is a specific catalyst enzyme extracted from different species and strains of bacteria and viruses. Restriction enzymes are called the molecular scissors of biology. Different restriction enzymes cut through DNA according to the sequence or the pattern of nucleotides on the DNA.

• Ligase enzyme- The DNA ligase enzyme is also known as the molecular glue. A ligase enzyme is needed when the donor DNA segment needs to be attached to the given plasmid. These enzymes help join different overhangs. The ligase enzyme also has a special function to join the ends of the plasmid without any problem.

DNA Sequencing

Notably,specific nucleotides sequences are exposed when a specific DNA is open using the recombinant DNA vectors. The nucleotides sequence is basically the most fundamental level in a gene, and it is moreover a blueprint for building up a complete gene. This sequencing becomes very important in the process of rDNA technology. 

DNA sequencing has improved tremendously. With a unique DNA sequencing pattern and even cloning, there is a quick way to get the entire nucleotides sequence of the DNA. 

DNA sequencing is important in recombinant DNA technology.

Application of Recombinant DNA Technology

In the modern world, where techniques such as recombinant DNA technology are very efficient and deal with many problems of mankind, there are various applications of this technology that are not known to a lot of people. Here we have mentioned some of the best applications of recombinant DNA technology: 

• DNA coding and segment joining- DNA coding has been useful in various forms. By encoding the specific DNA, one can have a specific protein or phenotype used to manufacture different amino acids. These amino acids can be useful in producing hormones and other pharmaceuticals. Humans have always faced problems in extracting natural substances needed for human development in the amount needed. The best way out there would be to have a synthetic alternative to it. There is a similar case seen with human hormones such as insulin. In recombinant DNA technology, one can use bacteria to produce special synthetic insulins.

• Can help with Haemophilia- Haemophilia is a fatal disease that has been troubling the entire humanity for ages. The blood clotting time gets prolonged in this condition. Since the clotting time gets prolonged, there is a high loss of blood from the human body, a leading symptom of the shock. However, with excellent recombinant technology, scientists have managed to generate clotting solutions that could be injected in patients with haemophilia that will help relieve the blood clotting easily.

• Gene therapy- Gene therapies transform the way we deal with genetic abnormalities. There are numerous deficiencies in the human body related to gender, such as ADA deficiency. It is also known as adenosine diamine deficiency. Due to the combination of different genes, we have achieved accurate genetic recombination to create the cure for these deficiencies. However, gene therapies are not that common, but in the upcoming time, there is a high chance that we will be dependent on these therapies to pre-cure people with gene abnormalities.

• Vaccine production and protein therapy:The technology has been proving its significance in production of therapies based on protein as well as in vaccine manufacturing. Some of the examples of this DNA application include creation of human insulin, human development hormone and interferon.

• Disease diagnosis and medicine applications: Recombinant DNA technology can effectively find out whether the person has developed HIV cells. ELISA technology is one of the best examples that detects enzyme-linked immunoassay. Moreover, it also produces insulin.

• In agriculture:One significant use of Recombinant DNA  in agriculture includes Bt-Cotton production. It helps in preventing plants from being attacked by ball worms.

Conclusion

With a detailed recombinant DNA technology SlideShare, one can gain better access to the studies and information on what rDNA can help with. We have tried to mention every little detail you need for exams related to rDNA technology above in the article.