Concept explainers
Why aren’t the terms recombinant DNA technology (genetic engineering) and
To tell:
Why the terms recombinant DNA technology and biotechnology are not synonymous.
Introduction:
The recombinant DNA technology involves isolation of genetic materials (DNA) from donor organisms (human, plant, or microorganism) and insertion of them into recipient organisms after genetic manipulation. The main tools involved in the techniques are nucleic acids, restriction enzymes, ligase, vectors, reverse transcriptase, and mutagens. This technology is used to introduce genetically modified organism (GMO). The main goals of this technology are to provide (i) elimination of undesirable phenotypic traits in organisms, (ii) creation of new organisms by combining two or more beneficial traits of donor organisms, and (iii) synthesis of beneficial products by the new organism for human need.
Explanation of Solution
Biotechnology is the use of microbes to produce or make products for human needs such as alcohol, cheese, bread, and soy sauce. This technology was used to produce large quantities of antibiotics, acetone, and butanol using bacterial metabolic reactions in the 20th century. Recently, biotechnology is used to make vitamins, paper and textiles, and it is also involved for cleaning oil spills, industrial waste, and radioactive isotopes. Also, it helps for mining metals, like gold, copper, and uranium.
The recombinant DNA technology or genetic engineering is a type of biotechnology, which involves in the alteration of genetic material and phenotype of organisms for human benefits. It is used to replace the mutant gene with a normal gene for clinical uses and other applications. It also helps to create genetically modified organisms (GMO).
Biotechnology is used to produce large quantities of biological products and recombinant DNA technology is used to alter genotype or phenotype of organisms.
Want to see more full solutions like this?
Chapter 8 Solutions
Modified Mastering Microbiology with Pearson eText -- Standalone Access Card -- for Microbiology with Diseases by Body System (5th Edition)
- Cloning Genes Is a Multistep Process In cloning human DNA, why is it necessary to insert the DNA into a vector such as a bacterial plasmid?arrow_forwardWhich of the following best describes the process of DNA sequencing? a. DNA is separated on a gel, and the different bands are labeled with fluorescent nucleotides and scanned with a laser. b. A laser is used to fluorescently label the nucleotides present within the DNA, the DNA is run on a gel, and then the DNA is broken into fragments. c. Nucleotides are scanned with a laser and incorporated into the DNA that has been separated on a gel, and then the DNA is amplified with PCR. d. Fragments of DNA are produced in a reaction that labels them with any of four different fluorescent dyes, and the fragments then are run on a gel and scanned with a laser. e. DNA is broken down into its constituent nucleotides, and the nucleotides are then run on a gel and purified with a laser.arrow_forwardWe each carry 20,000 genes in our genome. Genes can be patented, and over 6,000 human genes have been patented. Do you think that companies or individuals should be able to patent human genes? Why or why not?arrow_forward
- What Are Clones? Cloning is a general term used for whole organisms and DNA sequences. Define what we mean when we say we have a clone.arrow_forwardWhat are some safety and ethical concerns raised by the use of recombinant DNA technology? What are some dangers of introducing genetically engineered organisms into the environment?arrow_forwardWhat is Recombinant DNA technology ? Who created this ?arrow_forward
- What is the purpose of genetic engineering/DNA recombinant technology? How can this technique benefit society? Justify its importance, be as detailed as possible.arrow_forwardWhat is the importance of Recombinant DNA Technology in the Molecular Laboratory?arrow_forwardWhat are the ethical implications of genetic engineering and cloning?arrow_forward
- Human Heredity: Principles and Issues (MindTap Co...BiologyISBN:9781305251052Author:Michael CummingsPublisher:Cengage LearningBiology Today and Tomorrow without Physiology (Mi...BiologyISBN:9781305117396Author:Cecie Starr, Christine Evers, Lisa StarrPublisher:Cengage Learning