RECOMBINANTS Meaning and
Definition
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Recombinants, in biological terms, refer to the organisms or molecules derived from a process known as recombination. Recombination is a fundamental process that involves the rearrangement of genetic material to generate new combinations of genetic material. It typically occurs during sexual reproduction when genetic material from different individuals is brought together, resulting in offspring with a unique combination of traits.
In molecular biology, recombinants specifically pertain to the DNA molecules that are created through a process called genetic recombination. This process involves the exchange of genetic material between two or more DNA molecules. Recombinant DNA molecules are often generated by combining fragments of DNA from different sources, such as different organisms or even different species.
Recombinants play a crucial role in various fields of biological research, including genetics, biotechnology, and medicine. They have been extensively utilized in the production of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and the development of recombinant proteins and enzymes for industrial and pharmaceutical purposes. Recombinant DNA technology has also enabled the production of vaccines, gene therapies, and the study of gene function and regulation.
Overall, recombinants represent the products or organisms resulting from the mixing and rearrangement of genetic information, offering researchers valuable tools to investigate the complexities of genetics and advance various areas of biological science.
Etymology of RECOMBINANTS
The term "recombinants" is derived from the verb "recombine".
The word "recombine" emerged in the late 19th century, combining the prefix "re-" meaning "again" or "back" and "combine" which is derived from the Latin word "combinare", meaning "to unite or join". "Recombine" refers to the act of combining or uniting something again.
The suffix "-ant" is commonly used to form adjectives or nouns, indicating that the thing described performs or undergoes a specified action. In this case, "recombinants" is plural noun form, indicating entities that have undergone recombination.
Thus, "recombinants" refers to organisms or molecules that have undergone genetic recombination, where genetic material from different sources is joined together. This term is often used in the context of genetics and biotechnology.
