Step 1: Concept Overview:
Recombinant DNA technology combines DNA from different sources to create new molecules. This question requires arranging the steps of a standard gene cloning experiment in the correct order.
Step 2: Step-by-Step Breakdown:
Here's the logical order of the steps:
Step B: DNA fragment preparation is the initial step. Both the target DNA (gene of interest) and the cloning vector (e.g., plasmid) are cut using the same restriction enzyme to create compatible ends.
Step A: The prepared target DNA fragment is then joined to the cut vector DNA using DNA ligase, forming the recombinant DNA molecule.
Step D: The recombinant DNA is introduced into a host organism, typically E. coli, via a process called transformation.
Step C: Because transformation is inefficient, cells containing the recombinant DNA (transformants) must be selected from non-transformed cells. Selectable markers like antibiotic resistance or blue-white screening are used for this purpose.
Step 3: Conclusion:
The correct order is B \(\rightarrow\) A \(\rightarrow\) D \(\rightarrow\) C.