Molecular cloning refers to a process where the DNA within a cell is reproduced or replicated. Scientists use molecular cloning in several ways, mainly to learn more about proteins within cells and the function of these proteins. In addition, scientists also study what happens when proteins are changed. The results of these studies are often used to fight diseases and for other medical discoveries.
The first step in the process of molecular cloning is to isolate the DNA from the cell that contains the actual gene you wish to replicate. You also must choose a host organism and cloning vector, which is a tiny piece of DNA into which a fragment of different DNA can be placed. Typically vectors are taken from viruses or plasmids, and these vectors are called recombinant DNA.
After isolating, the DNA must be purified and then is fragmented using a restriction enzyme. A restriction enzyme, which is generally produced by a type of bacteria, has the job of cleaving DNA molecules and creating fragments with endings that are cohesive.
Now that these fragments have been created, they are placed into vectors or plasmids. These vectors are the parts of a cell of our chromosomes that are capable of being replicated independently. There is just a single restriction site in the plasmids used in molecular cloning. When this plasmid has split, new ends are created, and these ends are identical to the original fragments of DNA and also are cohesive.
Now that these fragments line up exactly with your plasmid, they must be bonded together. An enzyme known as DNA ligase is used as a glue or bond to hold together these fragments. Once the bonding has occurred, they can be placed into cells where they will begin to replicate, and identical copies of the DNA you have created will be produced. Then the host cell will divide, and your gene will be replicated again. As the cells begin to divide further, a cluster of cells with the new gene is created and now can be studied or used in various ways.
Much of this process can be carried out by private biotechnology firms that specialize in everything from gene cloning to the production of recombinant proteins to site-directed mutagenesis. The latter is helpful for altering DNA sequences to look at the specific roles of a nucleotide or a specific amino acid within a protein.
The first step in the process of molecular cloning is to isolate the DNA from the cell that contains the actual gene you wish to replicate. You also must choose a host organism and cloning vector, which is a tiny piece of DNA into which a fragment of different DNA can be placed. Typically vectors are taken from viruses or plasmids, and these vectors are called recombinant DNA.
After isolating, the DNA must be purified and then is fragmented using a restriction enzyme. A restriction enzyme, which is generally produced by a type of bacteria, has the job of cleaving DNA molecules and creating fragments with endings that are cohesive.
Now that these fragments have been created, they are placed into vectors or plasmids. These vectors are the parts of a cell of our chromosomes that are capable of being replicated independently. There is just a single restriction site in the plasmids used in molecular cloning. When this plasmid has split, new ends are created, and these ends are identical to the original fragments of DNA and also are cohesive.
Now that these fragments line up exactly with your plasmid, they must be bonded together. An enzyme known as DNA ligase is used as a glue or bond to hold together these fragments. Once the bonding has occurred, they can be placed into cells where they will begin to replicate, and identical copies of the DNA you have created will be produced. Then the host cell will divide, and your gene will be replicated again. As the cells begin to divide further, a cluster of cells with the new gene is created and now can be studied or used in various ways.
Much of this process can be carried out by private biotechnology firms that specialize in everything from gene cloning to the production of recombinant proteins to site-directed mutagenesis. The latter is helpful for altering DNA sequences to look at the specific roles of a nucleotide or a specific amino acid within a protein.
About the Author:
Armand Zeiders enjoys writing about biomedical research. For further information about custom monoclonal antibody services, please check out the PrimmBiotech.com site now.
No comments:
Post a Comment