recombinant DNA technology

Laboratory procedures in which pieces of DNA are taken from one or more organisms and joined (spliced) with the DNA of a host cell. The artificial DNA created is called recombinant DNA.

DNA controls the type of protein produced by a cell. When recombinant DNA is inserted into a host cell it changes the protein produced.

Recombinant DNA is used to produce hormones like insulin and somatostatin, proteins like interferon and many new medicines.

Also known as gene splicing, genetic engineering or genetic modification.