Which of the following components is utilized in recombinant DNA technology?

Bacteriophage

Plasmids and bacteriophages are commonly used as vectors in recombinant DNA technology due to their ability to replicate independently within bacterial cells, separate from the chromosomal DNA. Bacteriophages have a high number of copies per cell, while plasmids may have varying copy numbers ranging from one to hundreds per cell.

When we link a foreign piece of DNA with bacteriophage or plasmid DNA, we can effectively multiply its numbers within the bacterial cells. The foreign DNA becomes a part of the vector, and as the vector replicates during cell division, the foreign DNA is also replicated along with it. This process leads to an increased number of copies of the foreign DNA, making it easier to work with and study.

Engineered vectors are designed in a way that facilitates the easy insertion of foreign DNA and allows for the selection of cells containing recombinant DNA (cells with the inserted foreign DNA) from those without (non-recombinants). This selection process is crucial in ensuring that only the desired cells with the foreign DNA are isolated and used for further research or applications in biotechnology. By using vectors, scientists can manipulate and transfer specific genes of interest, enabling the production of proteins, study of gene function, and various other applications in genetic engineering.