What does the term “recombinant DNA” refer to in biotechnology?

What does the term “recombinant DNA” refer to in biotechnology?

  1. DNA extracted from ancient fossils
  2. DNA modified to contain genes from different organisms ✓
  3. DNA replicated using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
  4. DNA synthesized in a laboratory

Explanation

Recombinant DNA contains genes from different organisms combined artificially. Scientists cut DNA from one organism and insert it into another to create new genetic combinations.

Agricultural applications: pest-resistant crops (Bt genes from bacteria), herbicide tolerance, improved nutritional content. This enables traits impossible through conventional breeding.

Different from: fossil DNA (ancient), PCR (copying), or synthesis (artificial creation). Recombinant specifically means combining genes from different sources.