recombinant DNA research

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recombinant DNA research Branch of genetic engineering involving the transferral of a segment of dna from a source organism into a host organism (typically a microbe). A restriction enzyme is used to cut the DNA. The transferred segment is spliced into the host's overall DNA structure, thus altering the information contained in its genetic code. When the host undergoes asexual cell division, each product cell carries a replica of the new DNA. In this way, numerous clones of the new cell can be made.

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