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.
Molecular cloning is a multi-step process which begins with the isolation of the DNA in a cell that contains the gene the scientist wishes to clone. The scientist will select a host and cloning vector for this process. The vector is a miniscule portion of DNA and into this fragment, another strand DNA can be added. Vectors generally derive from plasmids and also often from viruses, and these vectors are known as recombinant DNA.
The second step is to take that DNA that you have isolated and purify it and then fragment the DNA with a restriction enzyme. These restriction enzymes will create staggered cuts in the DNA in specific sequences and these will generate fragments that have cohesive endings.
Once these fragments have been created, they are placed into the cloning vectors, which are the structures inside of our cells that can reproduce independently. In molecular cloning, the plasmids that are used have only one restriction site. When this site is split into fragments with a restriction enzyme, then those all-important cohesive endings have been created. Amazingly, these ends are identical to the initial DNA fragments.
Now that these new fragments have been created, they will line up exactly with the plasmid, and an enzyme known as DNA ligase will be used to form a bond. After the bond has been created, the plasmids can be introduced into the host cell. At this point, the vector will reproduce and create identical copies of the DNA and gene that have been altered. The cell begins to divide, and each division includes the new gene, eventually creating a cluster of cells with the new information.
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.
Molecular cloning is a multi-step process which begins with the isolation of the DNA in a cell that contains the gene the scientist wishes to clone. The scientist will select a host and cloning vector for this process. The vector is a miniscule portion of DNA and into this fragment, another strand DNA can be added. Vectors generally derive from plasmids and also often from viruses, and these vectors are known as recombinant DNA.
The second step is to take that DNA that you have isolated and purify it and then fragment the DNA with a restriction enzyme. These restriction enzymes will create staggered cuts in the DNA in specific sequences and these will generate fragments that have cohesive endings.
Once these fragments have been created, they are placed into the cloning vectors, which are the structures inside of our cells that can reproduce independently. In molecular cloning, the plasmids that are used have only one restriction site. When this site is split into fragments with a restriction enzyme, then those all-important cohesive endings have been created. Amazingly, these ends are identical to the initial DNA fragments.
Now that these new fragments have been created, they will line up exactly with the plasmid, and an enzyme known as DNA ligase will be used to form a bond. After the bond has been created, the plasmids can be introduced into the host cell. At this point, the vector will reproduce and create identical copies of the DNA and gene that have been altered. The cell begins to divide, and each division includes the new gene, eventually creating a cluster of cells with the new information.
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 loves blogging about biomedical research. For further information about custom monoclonal antibody services, please check out the PrimmBiotech.com site today.
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