Gene Cloning and DNA Analysis

Gene cloning is a common practice in molecular biology labs that is used by researchers to create copies of a particular gene for downstream applications, such as sequencing, mutagenesis, genotyping or heterologous expression of a protein. A fragment of DNA, containing the gene to be cloned, is inserted into a suitable vector, to produce a recombinant DNA molecule. The vector acts as a vehicle that transports the gene into a host cell usually a bacterium, although other types of living cell can be used. Within the host cell the vector multiplies, producing numerous identical copies not only of itself but also of the gene that it carries. When the host cell divides, copies of the recombinant DNA molecule are passed to the progeny and further vector replication takes place. After a large number of cell divisions, a colony, or clone, of identical host cells is produced. Each cell in the clone contains one or more copies of the recombinant DNA molecule; the gene carried by the recombinant molecule is now said to be cloned. This book discusses the basic principles of gene cloning and DNA analysis, and their applications in research and biotechnology.