An Overview of Recombinant DNA Technology Class 12 Notes
Explore the basics of recombinant DNA technology, its history, key discoveries, and its significant applications in medicine and agriculture in this comprehensive overview.
Contents
Notes - An Overview of Recombinant DNA Technology | Class 12 NCERT | Biotechnology
Comprehensive Class 12 Notes on Recombinant DNA Technology
Recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology, also known as genetic engineering, is a groundbreaking field of biotechnology. This article provides a thorough understanding of the basic concepts, historical background, and modern applications of rDNA technology, aimed at Class 12 students.
Introduction to Recombinant DNA Technology
Basic Concepts of Recombinant DNA Technology
Recombinant DNA technology involves combining DNA molecules from different sources into one molecule to create new genetic combinations. This technology has been a catalyst for advancements in fields like medicine, agriculture, and genetics.
Historical Background and Key Figures
One of the pivotal figures in rDNA technology is Herbert Boyer, who, along with Stanley Cohen, laid the foundation for this field by developing methods to clone and recombine genes.
Some milestones in the history of rDNA technology include:
- 1917: Karl Ereky coined the term ‘Biotechnology.’
- 1953: Watson and Crick proposed the double helical structure of DNA.
- 1973: Cohen and Boyer developed DNA cloning and rDNA technology.
Core Components of Recombinant DNA Technology
Molecular Biology and rDNA Technology
At its core, rDNA technology combines principles from molecular biology, including the structure and function of nucleic acids, microbiology, and genetics.
Restriction Enzymes and Ligases
Restriction enzymes, discovered by Werner Arbor and others, function as molecular scissors that cut DNA at specific sites. Ligase enzymes, discovered by Gellert and colleagues, act as molecular glue, joining DNA fragments together.
Gene Cloning and Plasmids
Steps in Gene Cloning
Gene cloning involves the extraction of a gene of interest, cutting the gene with restriction enzymes, inserting it into a plasmid vector, and introducing the recombinant plasmid into host cells like bacteria.
Role and Importance of Plasmids
Plasmids are small, circular DNA molecules found in bacteria. They replicate independently of chromosomal DNA and serve as vectors to carry foreign genes.
Applications of Recombinant DNA Technology
Medical Applications
Recombinant DNA technology has revolutionised medicine by enabling the production of insulin, growth hormones, and other therapeutic proteins. For instance, rDNA technology allows for the mass production of human insulin, making diabetes treatment more accessible.
Agricultural Applications
In agriculture, rDNA technology has led to the development of genetically modified (GM) crops. These crops are engineered to be resistant to diseases, pests, and harsh environmental conditions, thus improving yield and food security.
Ethical Considerations and Future Prospects
Ethical Issues in rDNA Technology
The manipulation of genetic material poses ethical questions, particularly concerning the potential long-term effects on human health and the environment. The debate continues around topics such as GMOs and gene therapy.
Future Trends and Prospects
Future advancements in rDNA technology may include gene editing techniques like CRISPR, which allow for more precise genetic modifications. These advancements promise to further enhance medical treatments and agricultural practices.
Conclusion
Recombinant DNA technology plays a crucial role in modern science, impacting various fields from healthcare to agriculture. It allows scientists to manipulate genetic material to produce desired traits, contributing significantly to human wellbeing and environmental sustainability.
Mermaid.js Flowchart of rDNA Technology Process
By understanding the principles and applications of rDNA technology, students can appreciate its profound impact on science and society.
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NCERT Solutions - An Overview of Recombinant DNA Technology | NCERT | Biotechnology | Class 12
Recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology developed from advancements in multiple biological fields such as biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, and microbiology. Key to its inception was the understanding of DNA's role in character expression and inheritance. Key milestones include the discovery of restriction enzymes by Werner Arbor, Hamilton Smith, and Daniel Nathan in the late 1960s and early 1970s, which allowed for precise cutting of DNA. Similarly crucial was the development of DNA ligase enzymes in 1967, which facilitated the rejoining of these DNA segments.
The pivotal moment came in 1973 when Stanley Cohen and Herbert Boyer successfully combined their expertise. Cohen's work with plasmid DNA in Escherichia coli complemented Boyer's ability to cut DNA with restriction enzymes, facilitating the development of the first genetically modified organisms by combining DNA from different organisms, thereby laying the foundational techniques of genetic engineering.
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