Overview and Objectives - Gene Cloning

Lesson three covers the utilization of gene cloning to isolate and copy a specific gene of interest. The transformation of bacteria with plasmids containing antibiotic resistance genes to make gene libraries and the selection of bacteria colonies that contain the specific gene of interest are described.

At the completion of this lesson, you should be able to:

  • Define gene cloning and describe its role in genetic engineering.
  • Illustrate the basic steps in gene cloning.
  • Explain why gene libraries need to be made in order to clone a gene of interest.
  • Explain why antibiotic resistance genes are sometimes present in transgenic plants.
  • Identify the final product of gene cloning.

Development of this lesson was supported in part by Cooperative State Research, Education, & Extension Service, U.S. Dept of Agriculture under Agreement Number 98-EATP-1-0403 administered by Cornell University and the American Distance Education Consortium (ADEC). Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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