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.
After isolating, the DNA must be purified and then is fragmented using a restriction enzyme. A restriction enzyme, which is generally produced by a type of bacteria, has the job of cleaving DNA molecules and creating fragments with endings that are cohesive.
These fragments will then be incorporated into plasmids or vectors, which are the genetic structures inside of cells that are capable of replication within a cell independently of the chromosomes. For molecular cloning, the type of plasmid that is utilized has just one single restriction site. When this is separated or split by the restriction enzyme, new cohesive ends are generated. These ends are identical to the original DNA fragments.
Now that these fragments line up exactly with your plasmid, they must be bonded together. An enzyme known as DNA ligase is used as a glue or bond to hold together these fragments. Once the bonding has occurred, they can be placed into cells where they will begin to replicate, and identical copies of the DNA you have created will be produced. Then the host cell will divide, and your gene will be replicated again. As the cells begin to divide further, a cluster of cells with the new gene is created and now can be studied or used in various ways.
This is a highly specialized and complicated process, and many scientists studying molecular biology will have a biotechnology company produce the gene clones and recombinant proteins for them, as well as having the firm perform site-directed mutagenesis. All of these services can help make it easier for scientists to study proteins, peptides and amino acids within our cells.
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.
After isolating, the DNA must be purified and then is fragmented using a restriction enzyme. A restriction enzyme, which is generally produced by a type of bacteria, has the job of cleaving DNA molecules and creating fragments with endings that are cohesive.
These fragments will then be incorporated into plasmids or vectors, which are the genetic structures inside of cells that are capable of replication within a cell independently of the chromosomes. For molecular cloning, the type of plasmid that is utilized has just one single restriction site. When this is separated or split by the restriction enzyme, new cohesive ends are generated. These ends are identical to the original DNA fragments.
Now that these fragments line up exactly with your plasmid, they must be bonded together. An enzyme known as DNA ligase is used as a glue or bond to hold together these fragments. Once the bonding has occurred, they can be placed into cells where they will begin to replicate, and identical copies of the DNA you have created will be produced. Then the host cell will divide, and your gene will be replicated again. As the cells begin to divide further, a cluster of cells with the new gene is created and now can be studied or used in various ways.
This is a highly specialized and complicated process, and many scientists studying molecular biology will have a biotechnology company produce the gene clones and recombinant proteins for them, as well as having the firm perform site-directed mutagenesis. All of these services can help make it easier for scientists to study proteins, peptides and amino acids within our cells.
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Armand Zeiders enjoys writing about biomedical research. For more details about N-terminal sequencing or to find about peptide mapping and synthesis peptides, please check out the PrimmBiotech.com website today.