What is recombinant DNA technology?

• A. Combining DNA from different sources to create DNA molecules used in cloning, research, or therapy
• B. Cloning whole organisms
• C. Sequencing the entire genome
• D. Editing proteins after translation

Answer: (A)

Recombinant DNA technology is about joining DNA fragments from different sources to form a new DNA molecule that carries sequences not normally found together. This enables scientists to manipulate genetic material for a variety of purposes, such as cloning a gene to study its function, producing a protein for research or medicine, or developing gene-based therapies. In practice, the process often involves cutting DNA with restriction enzymes, ligating the pieces to create a recombinant construct, and inserting it into a vector so it can be propagated and expressed in a host cell. This ability to combine genetic material from different origins is what defines recombinant DNA technology and underpins many biotech advances, from insulin production to engineered crops and gene therapy.

Other options describe different concepts: cloning whole organisms refers to producing genetically identical copies of an organism, genome sequencing means determining the exact order of nucleotides in DNA, and editing proteins after translation involves modifying a protein after it has been made rather than altering the DNA itself. While these are important areas in biology, they do not capture the essence of creating new DNA molecules by recombining genetic material from different sources.