1972: The first recombinant DNA molecules.
Scientist
Profile:
Paul Berg
Berg used a restriction enzyme to isolate a gene from a human
cancer-causing monkey virus. Then, he used ligase to join
the section of virus DNA with a molecule of DNA from the
bacterial virus lambda, creating the first recombinant
DNA molecule. Berg realized the dangers of his experiment
and temporarily terminated it before the recombinant DNA
molecule was added to E. Coli, where it would have been
quickly reproduced. Following the termination of his
experiment, he proposed a one year moratorium on
recombinant DNA studies while safety issues where
addressed.
Berg later resumed his studies into recombinant DNA techniques, and was awarded the 1980 Nobel Prize in chemistry. His discoveries laid the foundation for field of genetic engineering, and the modern biotechnology industry.
Technique:
Recombinant DNA
Animation:
Recombinant DNA
Web Link:
Speaking the Language
of Recombinant DNA
[ Home ] [ The Details ] [ Reactions ] [ Interactions ] [ About Site ] [ Bibliography ]
Copyright 1998 by team 24355 and Kayotic Development.