Gene cloning involves using restriction enzymes to cut DNA and fuse it with plasmids, which are then inserted into bacteria to create a genetic library. Researchers can use this technique for scientific research or medical testing. Third-party laboratories can provide more reliable results. Strict controls are necessary to avoid errors and contamination.
Gene cloning allows researchers to generate copies of a gene of interest for further study, use in medical testing, or therapy. It involves a series of steps to separate the gene and propagate it. Scientific laboratories can carry out this service at the request of customers and researchers can also do it in their own facilities, if they have the necessary equipment. An advantage of using a third-party laboratory can be greater reliability of the study results.
The first step in gene cloning involves treating deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) with so-called restriction enzymes. These chemical compounds cut DNA at specific points, looking for particular strings of single amino acids that indicate breaks between different parts of the genome. The fragmented DNA can be mixed with plasmids, specialized proteins, after the plasmids have been treated with their own restriction enzymes. The fragments at the end of the DNA hook into openings in the plasmid and fuse together with the assistance of another enzyme.
The treated plasmids can be inserted into bacteria to create a genetic library. Bacteria are already designed to use plasmids to exchange and share genetic information. Once they’ve been treated, researchers can grow them and pinpoint the organisms that produce specific genes. They encourage the colonies that produce the gene to continue growing so they can extract and purify it. Gene cloning produces many identical copies of the same genetic sequence.
Researchers can use gene cloning for a variety of tasks. These can range from pure scientific research to learn more about DNA construction to active studies to treat specific medical conditions. For example, they can compare and contrast genes to find out what happens when errors propagate across the genome. This information can help researchers develop genetic tests to identify the disease and work on treatments to address specific genetic conditions. Gene libraries can also be archived for future reference and additional projects.
Strict controls are needed with gene cloning. Researchers use specially designed plasmids and bacteria to increase accuracy and reliability. They closely monitor conditions in the laboratory to avoid introducing contamination or DNA damage, as this could lead to errors. If left undetected, errors could taint current and future research and cause substantial problems. Periodic testing, including third-party evaluations of genetic material, can help identify problems with genes and cloned samples to allow researchers to spot these problems earlier.
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