Recombinant DNA (rDNA)

Definition

Recombinant DNA (rDNA) is artificially created DNA that combines sequences that do not normally occur together. This is often used in genetic engineering to create new organisms or products.

Analogy

Think of rDNA as a custom playlist on your music app. You can pick and choose songs from different albums (genes from different organisms) and put them together to create something uniquely tailored to your taste (a new organism or product).

Related terms

Genetic Engineering: This is the process of manually adding, deleting, or modifying DNA in an organism's genome. It's like editing a film scene by scene to create a desired outcome.

Plasmids: These are small, circular pieces of DNA found in bacteria that can replicate independently. They're like USB drives for bacteria, carrying around extra information that can be shared with others.

Transgenic Organisms: These are organisms that have been genetically modified with DNA from another species – much like if you could add the speed of a cheetah into your own genes!