What is Recombinant DNA?

Recombinant DNA refers to DNA that is formed by combining segments from different organisms. This process involves genetic engineering techniques where specific genes or genetic material from one organism are inserted into the DNA of another organism, often utilizing plasmids or other vectors to facilitate this transfer. The resulting recombinant DNA can exhibit new characteristics, leading to advances in fields such as medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology.

For instance, recombinant DNA technology is fundamental in producing insulin, where the gene responsible for insulin production is inserted into bacterial DNA, allowing the bacteria to produce insulin. This ability to combine genetic material from diverse sources enables researchers to explore genetic functions and develop applications that were not possible with the original, unaltered DNA.