What are the two core techniques of biotechnology? Describe how the first recombinant DNA was made.
How to lay out the answer. Follow the frame, then write it in your own words.
1 · Define in one line. Biotechnology uses live organisms or their enzymes to make products and processes useful to humans.
2 · Name the two core techniques.
Genetic engineering: change DNA or RNA and put it into a host to change its phenotype.
Bioprocess engineering: sterile conditions so only the desired cell grows in large numbers.
3 · Describe the first recombinant DNA. Cohen and Boyer (1972) cut an antibiotic resistance gene from a plasmid with restriction enzymes. DNA ligase joined it to a native plasmid of Salmonella typhimurium.
4 · Say why it multiplied. The plasmid had an origin of replication, so in E. coli it replicated with the host's DNA polymerase: this is cloning.
5 · Link to real life. The same idea now makes human insulin and vaccines in India.
6 · Close in one line. So biotechnology joins a useful gene to an ori and grows it in a host under sterile conditions.
Scoring tip: Name both scientists, the year and Salmonella typhimurium. Write 'origin of replication' in full before using 'ori'.
