recombinant DNA

noun

, Genetics.

1. DNA in which one or more segments or genes have been inserted, either naturally or by laboratory manipulation, from a different molecule or from another part of the same molecule, resulting in a new genetic combination.

recombinant DNA

noun

1. DNA molecules that are extracted from different sources and chemically joined together; for example DNA comprising an animal gene may be recombined with DNA from a bacterium

recombinant DNA

/ rē-kŏm′bə-nənt /

1. A form of DNA produced by combining genetic material from two or more different sources by means of genetic engineering. Recombinant DNA can be used to change the genetic makeup of a cell, as in adding a gene to make a bacterial cell produce insulin.

Word History and Origins

Origin of recombinant DNA¹

First recorded in 1970–75