In genetic engineering, the introduced foreign DNA is termed recombinant DNA or, alternatively, transgenic DNA.
Definitions:
- Recombinant DNA: Artificially constructed DNA resulting from the combination of genetic material from different origins. This process involves integrating foreign DNA from one organism into the genome of another. Recombinant DNA finds application in creating genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and for medical treatments.
- Transgenic DNA: The foreign DNA incorporated into the genome of a living organism, which is then classified as a transgenic organism. This designation is particularly common when the foreign DNA originates from a distinct species.
Genetic Engineering Procedure:
- Initially, foreign DNA is extracted from its donor organism and subsequently placed into a vector, which can be a plasmid, viral particle, or another carrier.
- This combined DNA, now recombinant, is then introduced into a host cell. It may subsequently merge with the host's own genetic material or persist independently.
- The host organism might then express the newly introduced genetic information, leading to the synthesis of novel proteins or the manifestation of new characteristics.
Recombinant DNA technology is utilized across diverse sectors, including medicine (e.g., insulin and vaccine production), agriculture (e.g., development of pest-resistant crops), and biotechnology (e.g., gene therapy).