AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Laboratory methods to move individual genes between organisms capitalize on naturally occurring mechanisms of gene transfer other than sexual reproduction. These include uptake of DNA by cells and cell-to-cell transfer of packaged genetic material such as viruses.

Detailed explanation-2: -In biotechnology, microbes such as bacteria and viruses are used to transfer the organism’s gene; these microorganisms have extrachromosomal circular DNA called a plasmid used as a vector. Gene of interest is attached to the vector and introduced into the host cell or organism.

Detailed explanation-3: -A vector is a DNA molecule that is used as a vehicle to artificially carry the foreign genetic material into another cell to be replicated or expressed. Examples include plasmid, cosmid, Lambda phages, etc.

Detailed explanation-4: -The process of gene transfer can be summarised in four key steps: Isolation of gene and vector (by PCR) Digestion of gene and vector (by restriction endonuclease) Ligation of gene and vector (by DNA ligase)