Question 1 of 5intermediate💡 UnderstandShort Answer2 marks

Discuss in brief how recombinant DNA technology was initially developed?

Correct Answer

The initial development of recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology began when scientists discovered that nucleic acid (DNA) is the principal molecule responsible for the expression of characters. This led to attempts to alter the genetic makeup of organisms by manipulating nucleic acid directly.

The technology became possible due to rapid progress in various fields of biology including molecular biology, microbiology, genetics, and biochemistry. Key discoveries that enabled this development include the demonstration that DNA is the genetic material (1944), discovery of plasmids (1952), proposal of double helical structure of DNA (1953), and discovery of restriction enzymes and ligase enzymes. In 1972, Paul Berg assembled the first recombinant DNA, followed by Stanley N. Cohen and Herbert Boyer who developed DNA cloning and rDNA technology in 1973.

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Explanation

The answer traces the historical development of rDNA technology from the provided context. It highlights the foundational discoveries (DNA as genetic material, plasmids, DNA structure, enzymes) and culminates with the landmark achievements by Paul Berg (1972) and Cohen & Boyer (1973). The word count is approximately 115 words, fitting the 80-120 word requirement for a 2-mark question.

Solution Steps

  1. Step 1: Identify the foundational discovery - DNA as the principal molecule for character expression

  2. Step 2: List the key scientific discoveries that enabled rDNA technology from the timeline

  3. Step 3: Mention the landmark achievements by Paul Berg (1972) and Cohen & Boyer (1973)

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