Recombinant DNA

Overview of rDNA

1.Isolate DNA 

2.Cut with restriction enzymes 

3.Ligate into cloning vector 

4.transform recombinant DNA molecule into host cell 

5.each transformed cell will divide many, many times to form a   colony of millions of cells, each of which carries the recombinant DNA molecule (DNA clone)

Cutting DNA

Restriction enzymes are the scissors of molecular genetics. Restriction enzymes (RE) are endonucleases that will recognize specific nucleotide sequences in the DNA and break the DNA chain at those points. A variety of RE have been isolated and are commercially available. Most cut at specific palindromic sites in

the DNA (sequence that is the same on both antiparallel DNA strands). These cuts can be a staggered which generate “sticky or overhanging ends” or a blunt which generate flush ends.

Joining DNA

Once you have isolated and cut the donor and vector DNAs, they must be joined together. The DNAs are mixed together in a tube. If both have been cut with the same RE, the ends will match up because they are sticky. DNA ligase is the glue of molecular genetics that holds the ends of the DNAs together. DNA ligase creates a phosophodiester bond between two DNA ends.

Amplifying the recombinant DNA

To recover large amounts of the recombinant DNA molecule, it must be amplified. This is accomplished by transforming the recombinant DNA into a bacterial host strain. (The cells are treated with CaCl2 ---> DNA is added ---> Cells are heat shocked at 42 C ---> DNA goes into cell by a somewhat unknown mechanism.)

    Once in a cell, the recombinant DNA will be replicated. When the cell divides, the replicated recombinant molecules go to both daughter cells which themselves will divide later. Thus, the DNA is amplified.

Vectors

Requirements for a cloning vector

a) Should be capable of replicating in host cell

b) Should have convenient RE sites for inserting DNA of interest

c) Should be small and easy to isolate

TYPES:

Expression vectors 

vectors that carry host signals that facilitate the transcription and translation of an inserted gene. They are very useful for expressing eukaryotic genes in bacteria.

Others: Cosmids

              YAC (Yeast Artificial Chromosomes)

              Retroviruses

Why is rDNA important? 

Recombinant DNA has been gaining in importance over the last few years, and recombinant DNA will only become more important in the 21st century as genetic diseases become more prevelant and agricultural area is reduced.  Below  are some of the areas where Recombinant DNA will have an impact.

Better Crops (drought & heat resistance)

Recombinant Vaccines (ie. Hepatitis B)

Prevention and cure of sickle cell anemia

Prevention and cure of cystic fibrosis

Production of clotting factors

Production of insulin

Plants that produce their own insecticides

Germ line and somatic gene therapy

Genetic Testing

Blotting Techniques:

Gel electrophoresis – DNA fragments of different sizes can be separated by an

electrical field applied to a “gel”. The negatively charged DNA migrates away from the

negative electrode and to the positive electrode. The smaller the fragment the faster it

migrates.

POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION

Short sequence of DNA can be amplified into millions fold within few hours.

Uses of PCR

Diagnosis of various diseases
Genetic fingerprinting
Paternity testing
To detect HIV in newborn whose mother are HIV +ve.
To detect the viral load.