The recombinant DNA technology

The recombinant DNA technology or DNA cloning permits the isolation, amplification, and precise manipulation of specific DNA fragments. This is generally accomplished by linking or recombining the desired DNA fragment with a DNA molecule, termed the vector, which is capable of directing the replication of itself in a suitable host cell and any DNA segment covalently attached to it. Using this and associated technologies, it is possible to produce large amounts of specific proteins and to modify cell types by introducing the genes for proteins that are otherwise absent. Moreover, it is now possible to construct variants of naturally-occurring proteins with improved biological or physical properties.