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Rapid Communication - Research and Reports on Genetics (2023) Volume 5, Issue 2
The Science of Gene Cloning: Techniques and Applications
Jiang Chen*
Department of Genetics, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China
- *Corresponding Author:
- Jiang Chen
Department of Genetics
Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
China
E-mail:janshen1986@163.com
Received:01-Mar-2023,Manuscript No. AARRGS-23-90479; Editor assigned:04-Mar-2023,PreQC No. AARRGS-23-90479(PQ); Reviewed:18-Mar-2023,QC No. AARRGS-23-90479; Revised:22-Mar-2023, Manuscript No. AARRGS-23-90479(R); Published:29-Mar-2023,DOI:10.35841/aarrgs-5.2.140
Citation: Chen J. The science of gene cloning: Techniques and applications. J Res Rep Genet.2023;5(2):140
Introduction
Gene cloning is a technique that allows scientists to make multiple copies of a gene or a piece of DNA. It has revolutionized many fields of biology, including genetics, medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology. In this article, we will discuss the basics of gene cloning, its applications, and its limitations. Gene cloning involves the isolation and amplification of a specific DNA sequence, such as a gene, from an organism's genome. The process starts by cutting the DNA at specific locations using enzymes called restriction endonucleases. These enzymes recognize and cut the DNA at specific sequences called restriction sites, which are usually 4-8 base pairs long.[1].
Once the DNA is cut, it can be inserted into a vector, which is a carrier DNA molecule that can replicate independently of the host organism's genome. The most commonly used vectors are plasmids, which are small, circular DNA molecules found in bacteria. Plasmids can carry foreign DNA sequences, including genes, and can be transferred between different bacterial cells. To insert the DNA fragment into the plasmid, the two molecules are mixed together with an enzyme called DNA ligase, which catalyses the formation of covalent bonds between the two DNA molecules. The resulting hybrid DNA molecule is called a recombinant DNA molecule. The recombinant DNA molecule can then be introduced into a host cell, such as a bacterial cell, using a technique called transformation. Once inside the host cell, the recombinant DNA molecule can be replicated along with the host DNA, resulting in the production of many copies of the cloned gene.[2].
Applications of gene cloning
Gene cloning has many applications in biology, medicine, and biotechnology. Some of the most important applications are. Gene cloning can be used to produce large quantities of therapeutic proteins, such as insulin, growth hormones, and blood clotting factors. These proteins can then be used to treat genetic diseases, such as diabetes and hemophilia. Gene cloning can be used to produce genetically modified organisms (GMOs) with desirable traits, such as disease resistance or increased yield. For example, a gene from a bacteria that confers resistance to herbicides can be cloned and inserted into the genome of a crop plant, resulting in a herbicide-resistant crop.Gene cloning is an essential tool in molecular biology research, allowing scientists to study the function of genes and the proteins they encode. By cloning a gene and altering its sequence, scientists can determine the effect of specific mutations on gene function.[3].
Gene cloning can be used to analyze DNA samples for forensic purposes, such as identifying suspects in criminal investigations or establishing paternity. Gene cloning has some limitations that must be considered. Some of the most important limitations. Cloning genes from complex organisms, such as humans, can be challenging due to the size and complexity of the genome. Many genes in complex organisms are regulated by multiple regions of DNA, which can make it difficult to isolate and clone the gene of interest. Gene cloning raises ethical concerns, particularly when it involves the cloning of humans or the modification of the human germline. There is a risk of unintended consequences or the creation of genetically homogeneous populations.Gene cloning can result in the unintentional spread of genetically modified organisms, which can have unknown ecological consequences. Additionally, there is a risk of accidental release of genetically modified organisms into the environment.[4].
Gene cloning is a powerful technique that has revolutionized many fields of biology and biotechnology. It allows scientists to study the function of genes, produce therapeutic proteins, and create genetically modified organisms with desirable traits. Gene cloning is the process of isolating a specific gene or segment of DNA and creating multiple copies of it in vitro. This technique has revolutionized the fields of biotechnology and molecular biology, and has had numerous applications in medicine, agriculture, and industry. The process of gene cloning typically involves several steps. First, the DNA containing the desired gene is isolated from the source organism using a variety of methods, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), restriction enzyme digestion, or hybridization. The isolated DNA is then inserted into a vector, which is a small piece of DNA that can replicate independently of the host cell's genome.[5].
References
- Cohen SN.DNA cloning: a personal view after 40 years.Proc Nat Aca Sci. 2013; 110(39):15521-9.
- Yan P, Zeng Y.Nimble cloning: a simple, versatile, and efficient system for standardized molecular cloning.Bio Eng Bio Tech. 2020 Jan; 7:460.
- Erijman A.Transfer-PCR (TPCR): a highway for DNA cloning and protein engineering. J Stru Bio. 2011; 175(2):171-7.
- De Vos WM.Gene cloning and expression in lactic streptococci. Micro Bio Rev. 1987;3(3):281-95.
- Yoon JR.Express primer tool for high-throughput gene cloning and expression.BioTech. 2002; 33(6):1328-33.
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