Recombinant DNA technology involves:

Explanation

Recombinant DNA technology is about making a new DNA molecule, not merely observing or copying DNA. The NCBI Bookshelf chapter explains the basic cloning strategy: a DNA fragment of interest, such as a human DNA segment, is inserted into a vector DNA molecule to form a recombinant molecule. Restriction endonucleases cut DNA at specific sequences, producing fragments that can be joined; DNA ligase then seals breaks in the DNA strands so different fragments, such as an insert and a vector, become one recombinant DNA molecule. This matches option B because the defining act is combining DNA from different sources to make a new genetic combination, which can then be used for research, medicine and agriculture.

Why the other options are wrong

• (A) Destroying harmful DNA sequences is not the defining process here; recombinant DNA technology joins DNA fragments to form a new molecule.
• (C) Copying DNA without modification describes amplification such as PCR, whereas recombinant DNA technology links DNA from different sources.
• (D) X-ray crystallography studies molecular structure, while recombinant DNA technology creates new DNA combinations by joining fragments.

Concept

This tests the biotechnology core concept of recombinant DNA and molecular cloning. It recurs in RAS because questions often check whether candidates can distinguish gene manipulation from DNA copying or structural study.

Source

• NCBI Bookshelf, The Cell: A Molecular Approach

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