BRAINCAKEProducing Recombinant DNA
Recombinant DNA is DNA made by combining DNA from two different organisms. It is the first step in genetic modification.
Obtaining the gene
• Restriction enzymes (restriction endonucleases) cut DNA at specific base sequences called recognition sites. Many make a staggered cut, leaving short single-stranded overhangs called sticky ends. For example, EcoRI cuts between G and A in the sequence GAATTC.
• Reverse transcriptase makes complementary DNA (cDNA) from the mRNA of the gene. Cells that make a lot of the protein contain a lot of its mRNA, which makes this easier. The cDNA has no introns, which is important because bacteria cannot remove introns.
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Key terms in this lesson
- promoter
- A DNA sequence next to a gene that RNA polymerase binds to, allowing the gene to be transcribed.
More in Gene Technology
- Identifying Transformed Organisms
- Vectors
- Gene Guns
- Liposome Wrapping
- Microinjection
- Gene Silencing
- Transgenic Plants
- Cloning Plants
All 17 lessons in Gene Technology · All Edexcel A-level Biology topics