Question

With a neat labelled diagram explain the techniques involved in gene cloning.

Answer 1

The carbon copy or more appropriately, a clone means to make a genetically exact copy of an organism. ‘Dolly’ is the cloned sheep.

In gene cloning, a gene or a piece of DNA fragment is inserted into a bacterial cell, where DNA will be multiplied (copied) as the cell divides.
The basic steps involved in gene cloning are:

1. Isolation of desired DNA fragment by using restriction enzymes.
2. Insertion of the DNA fragment into a suitable vector (plasmid) to make rDNA.
3. Transfer of rDNA into the bacterial host cell (Transformation).
4. Selection and multiplication of the recombinant host cell to get a clone.
5. Expression of the cloned gene in the host cell.

Using this strategy several enzymes, hormones and vaccines can be produced.