Question

What function do plasmids have and how are they used in recombinant DNA technology?

Answer 1

Plasmids can be genetically modified and be used in the recombinant DNA technology. Plasmids are considered as replicons, a unit of DNA capable of replicating autonomously with a suitable host.

Explanation:

Functions of plasmids

Gene Therapy
Plasmids play an important role in gene therapy. They are mostly used for the insertion of therapeutic genes in the human body to fight against diseases. They have the ability to efficiently target the cells which are defected and trigger the therapeutic genes in them .

Recombination DNA Technology
Recombinant DNA technology makes use of plasmids for drug delivery to insert the desired drug into the body e.g. human growth hormone and insulin.
They are also involved in causing antibiotic resistance and are used to kill harmful bacteria from the body.

Plasmids have been the key to success to the development of molecular biotechnology. Using plasmids for DNA delivery began in 1970 's when DNA from other organisms was first ' cut and pasted ' into specific sites within the plasmid DNA . The modified plasmids were then re introduced into bacteria.

Plasmids have no harmful effects unlike viral vectors.