Question

Give the tools needed for genetic engineering.

Answer 1

Genetic engineering needs three basic tools.

1. Enzymes: Restriction endonucleases (molecular scissors), DNA ligases (molecular glue), DNA polymerases (replication), and lysozyme, cellulase, chitinase, ribonuclease and protease for isolation of DNA.
2. Cloning vectors: Plasmids, bacteriophages, viruses, transposons and artificial chromosomes that carry the gene.
3. Host organisms: E. coli, Agrobacterium, plant or animal cells that take up and express the rDNA. Together these tools allow a gene to be cut, joined, carried and expressed.