What is the term for DNA produced by combining DNA from different sources?

The term for DNA produced by combining DNA from different sources is recombinant DNA. This process involves taking a specific gene or DNA segment from one organism and inserting it into the DNA of another organism, which can lead to the expression of new traits. Recombinant DNA technology is widely used in various fields, including genetic engineering, medicine, and biotechnology, to produce genetically modified organisms (GMOs), create insulin, and develop vaccines.

For instance, in the laboratory, scientists can use enzymes to cut DNA at specific sequences, allowing them to splice together fragments from different origins. This results in a new DNA molecule that retains elements from the original source as well as new genetic information acquired from another source.

Understanding recombinant DNA is critical as it lays the foundation for many modern biotechnological applications, including gene therapy, agricultural enhancements, and advancements in genetic research and diagnostics.