Genetic Engineering Practice Test: Simple Cloning — Flashcards

Simple Cloning topics include: Vectors, transformation and hosts, cloning using a simple plasmid and alpha complementation, madifications in linkers, adaptors and cloning methods.

DNA cloning is a technique that creates multiple copies of a DNA segment. It can be used to isolate and characterize genes or to produce proteins like insulin. 

Here are some basic steps for cloning:
Isolate or amplify foreign DNA using PCR
Purify the DNA
Cut the DNA with restriction enzymes
Mix the DNA with a vector that has been cut with the same restriction enzymes
Stitch the DNA back together with DNA ligase
Transform the DNA into a host system, often bacteria 
Restriction fragment patterning and DNA sequencing can be used to validate the cloned material. 

Here are some types of cloning:
Gene cloning: Creates copies of genes or segments of DNA
Reproductive cloning: Creates copies of whole animals
Therapeutic cloning: Creates embryonic stem cells