How is Recombinant DNA made?
There are three different methods by which Recombinant DNA is made. They are Transformation, Phage Introduction, and Non-Bacterial Transformation. Each are described separately below. Transformation The first step in transformation is to select a piece of DNA to be inserted into a vector. The second step is to cut that piece of DNA with a restriction enzyme and then ligate the DNA insert into the vector with DNA Ligase. The insert contains a selectable marker which allows for identification of recombinant molecules. An antibiotic marker is often used so a host cell without a vector dies when exposed to a certain antibiotic, and the host with the vector will live because it is resistant. The vector is inserted into a host cell, in a process called transformation. One example of a possible host cell is E. Coli. The host cells must be specially prepared to take up the foreign DNA. Selectable markers can be for antibiotic resistance, color changes, or any other characteristic which can dis
