# Describe how a gene is inserted into a bacterial plasmid to produce a recombinant plasmid during genetic modification.

> Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) — 21.3 Genetic modification · Describe · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Restriction enzymes are used to cut/isolate the desired gene from the donor organism's DNA
2. The same restriction enzymes are used to cut the bacterial plasmid, leaving complementary sticky ends
3. The gene is inserted into the plasmid, with the complementary sticky ends joining/base-pairing
4. DNA ligase joins the sticky ends to form the recombinant plasmid

## Key terms

- [plasmid](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/plasmid)
- [recombinant plasmid](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/recombinant-plasmid)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-how-a-gene-is-inserted-27417dda) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.