What is genetic cloning?

Question

genetic cloning, What is it and how does it work?

Answer 1

A clone is a replica of all or part of a macromolecule (eg. DNA). Cloning a gene means to extract a gene from one organism (for example by PCR) and insert it into a second organism (usually via a vector), where it can be used and studied.

A gene can be cloned into various different vectors, depending on the what the gene will be used for and the size of the gene. If the gene is small; a plasmid or phagemid can be used, if the gene is large; a phage, or high capacity vector can be used.

Plasmids are bacterial cloning vectors, they contain multiple cloning sites, an origin of replication, universible sequencing primers, and selectable markers.

Complementary DNA (cDNA) is often used in cloning, the single stranded RNA of the gene in question is isolated and double stranded cDNA is synthesised using the enzyme Reverse Transcriptase. The vector is prepared for insertion by cleavage using a restriction enzyme (an enzyme which cuts at a specific DNA sequence leaving 'sticky' or 'blunt' ends), the clone is then inserted using DNA ligase (an enzyme which joins DNA molecules with compatible cohesive ends).

If the vector has been transformed (succesfully taken in by the cell), the cell will have antibiotic resistance (due to a gene coding for resistance already in the vector). If the vector is a recombinant (contains the specific gene required), a pre-existing vector gene that results in a specific colour will have been interrupted by the ligation of the clone, and the appearance of the cell will be different.

Molecular cloning is used to create pest/pesticide resistance is transgenic crops, to study the effect of a particular gene in vivo in transgenic animals, to study the manipulation of stem cells, and cell biology studies.

Answer 2

Cloning is a process, that replicates an organism's code and reproduces that organism.

It is similar to twins. A clone is a twins of the organism. However, it is not a womb twin, but a twin who was replicated using bio technology.

The process is somewhat possibly due to the ovaries. In the nucleus of the ovari, the DNA is replaced with the DNA from the organism that is cloned. It will then grow as normal.