Chapter 4: Fundamentals of Molecular Biology
Video 4.1 Recombinant DNA and Genetic Engineering
The animation opens with a view of a DNA plasmid loop. An EcoRI enzyme approaches and attaches to the DNA's major groove. The enzyme then runs along the groove scanning the DNA for the base sequence GAATTC. When it finds this sequence it breaks the sugar-phosphate bonds on either side of DNA, splicing the plasmid. A gene (glowing DNA) with complementary 'sticky ends" then attaches to the end of the plasmid. The enzyme DNA Ligase (looking like frozen peas in this animation) then repairs the nicks in the sugar-phosphate backbone, joining the two DNA strands. (3.5 MB) [© HHMI.]
