Question

Explain the process of gene cloning with the help of clear and well labelled diagrams.

Answer 1

Cell required for cloning is an egg cell, which is collected from a female of the same species (known as the “egg donor”). In the lab, a scientist extracts and discards the nucleus of the egg cell, which is the part of the cell that contains the egg donor’s genes. One then inserts the somatic cell from the genetic donor into the egg and “fuses” the two with electricity. Consequently fused egg contains the genetic donor’s DNA.

The major steps involved in cloning a gene are:

(i) Preparation of carrier DNA (vector DNA).

(ii) Isolation of the desired gene.

(iii) Insertion of the isolated gene into the vector which results in the rDNA.

(iv) Transformation of rDNA into a suitable host.

(v) Expression of r DNA that is cloned gene.