Steps to DNA Cloning quiz Flashcards

The first step in DNA cloning is creating the recombinant DNA.

Restriction enzymes act like molecular scissors to cut DNA at specific restriction sites.

Sticky ends are single-stranded DNA overhangs produced by restriction enzyme cuts.

DNA ligase acts like glue to covalently join the sticky ends of DNA fragments.

Only DNA fragments cut by the same restriction enzyme have matching sticky ends that can be ligated together.

Transformation is the process by which cells uptake foreign DNA from their environment.

A transgenic organism is one that has received and expressed recombinant DNA from a different species.

Scientists use phenotypic markers, such as antibiotic resistance, to confirm successful transformation.

A cloning vector, such as a recombinant DNA molecule, is used to insert the gene of interest into a host cell.

Human insulin is produced by inserting the human insulin gene into transgenic E. coli, which then express and replicate the gene.

PCR is used to rapidly isolate and amplify a specific sequence of DNA.

PCR amplifies DNA in a test tube without using living cells, unlike DNA cloning which uses living cells.

Restriction sites are specific DNA sequences where restriction enzymes bind and cut the DNA.

Sticky ends allow for the complementary base pairing necessary for ligating DNA fragments together.

The final product of the first step in DNA cloning is the recombinant DNA molecule.