ABSTRACT
Cloning a fragment of DNA allows indefinite amounts to be produced from even a single original molecule. Cloning technology involves the construction of novel DNA molecules by joining DNA sequences from different sources. This chapter describes the basic events in gene cloning. In order to understand the process of gene cloning, one must understand the various vectors, mechanism of cutting and joining DNA molecules at specific sites, the use of agarose gel electrophoresis as a method for monitoring the cutting and joining reaction, and a means of monitoring transformation of E. coli. Thus, a gene cloning experiment has four essential components, which have been dealt in details to explain the process of gene cloning. The components include enzymes for cutting and joining the DNA fragments into vector molecules, cloning vehicles or vectors, DNA fragments, and selection of a clone of transformed cells that has acquired the recombinant chimeric DNA molecule.
