QQ.1. Describe how recombinant DNA is introduced into host cell?
- Recombinant DNA introduction is transformation (bacteria), transfection (animal cells), or transduction (viral vectors).
- Bacterial transformation: Chemical (CaCl₂/heat shock) or electroporation creates temporary membrane pores for DNA entry.
- Eukaryotic physical methods: Microinjection directly injects DNA, while gene gun propels DNA-coated particles into cells.
- Eukaryotic chemical methods: Lipofection (liposomes) and calcium phosphate precipitation facilitate DNA uptake.
Answer: The introduction of recombinant DNA (rDNA) into a host cell is a fundamental and crucial step in genetic engineering, enabling the expression of foreign genes and the production of desired biomolecules or modified phenotypes. This process, often termed transformation for bacteria and fungi, transfection for animal cells, or transduction when viral vectors are employed, aims to deliver an engineered DNA construct into a recipient cell for replication, transcription, and translation. The specific ...