Recombinant DNA

Technology

Food Biotechnology Class

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What is DNA?
DNA= Deoxyribu-Nucelic Acid

DNA is a very large molecule,

made up of smaller units called
nucleotides

Each nucleotide has three parts: a

sugar (ribose), a phosphate
molecule, and a nitrogenous base.

The nitrogenous base is the part of

the nucleotide that carries genetic
information
The bases found in DNA are four:
adenine, cytosine, guanine, and
thymine ( ATP, CTP, GTP, and TTP)
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What is gene?

A gene is a stretch of DNA that

codes for a type of protein that has
a function in the organism.

It is a unit of heredity in a living

organism.. All living things depend
on genes

Genes hold the information to build

and maintain an organism's cells
and pass genetic traits to offspring.

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Recombinant DNA
Recombinant DNA is a molecule that
combines DNA from two sources . Also known
as gene cloning.
Creates a new combination of genetic material

For example;
• Human gene for insulin was placed in
bacteria
• The bacteria are recombinant organisms
and produce insulin in large quantities for
diabetics

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Recombinant DNA Technology

1. Gene of interest (DNA) is isolated

(DNA fragment)
2. A desired gene is inserted into a DNA molecule - vector
(plasmid, bacteriophage or a viral genome)

3. The vector inserts the DNA into a new cell, which is

grown to form a clone.
(bacteria, yeast, plant or animal cell)

4. Large quantities of the gene product can be harvested

from the clone.

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rDNA Technology

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Hosts for DNA recombinant technology
1. Bacteria
- E. coli - used because is easily grown and its
genomics are well understood.
• Gene product is purified from host cells
2. Yeasts - Saccharomyces cerevisiae
• Used because it is easily grown and its genomics are known
• May express eukaryotic genes easily
• Continuously secrete the gene product.
• Easily collected and purified
3. Plant cells and whole plants
• May express eukaryotic genes easily
• Plants are easily grown - produce plants with new properties.
4. Mammalian cells
• May express eukaryotic genes easily
• Harder to grow
• Medical use
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Genetically Modified Crops (GMO)