recombinant

American  

[ree-kom-buh-nuhnt] / riˈkɒm bə nənt /

adjective

1. of or resulting from new combinations of genetic material.

   recombinant cells.

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noun

1. a cell or organism whose genetic complement results from recombination.

2. the genetic material produced when segments of DNA from different sources are joined to produce recombinant DNA.

recombinant British  

/ riːˈkɒmbɪnənt /

adjective

1. produced by the combining of genetic material from more than one origin

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noun

1. a chromosome, cell, organism, etc, the genetic makeup of which results from recombination

Etymology

Origin of recombinant

First recorded in 1940–45; re- + combine + -ant

Explanation

In genetics, something is recombinant if it's formed when two molecules of DNA exchange genetic material. This exchange can result in recombinant traits, like a child having a different eye color than either parent. Recombinant comes from the verb recombine, to "combine again," and this word is all about the combination and recombination of genes. The process happens in several different ways, but one of the most important occurs during meiosis, or the cell division that creates egg and sperm cells. Recombinant genes, which have traded bits of DNA, result in a more genetically diverse species.

Example Sentences

These new recombinant viral vectors are designed to target very specific components of neuron biology in order to analyze pathological changes that occur during Alzheimer's disease and other brain diseases.

From Science Daily • Feb. 14, 2024

"While we have no reason to question the validity of the analytical method used for recombinant EPO, Wada will assess the current review process in light of the particularities of this case," its statement said.

From BBC • Jul. 31, 2023

The recombinant DNA letter focused on the risk of accidentally creating novel fatal diseases.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 25, 2023

One of Mr. Cummins’s frequent targets was recombinant bovine somatotropin, or bovine growth hormone, a genetically engineered hormone, produced by Monsanto, that stimulates milk production in cows.

From New York Times • Jun. 6, 2023

It’s a matrix light, a recombinant light that disintegrates hard lines and planes, rearranging objects to their essences.

From "Dreaming in Cuban" by Cristina García