Novel Approach to Synthesizing Sticky Ended DNA

Undergraduate Honors Thesis

Citations

Citeable URL: https://scholar.colorado.edu/concern/undergraduate_honors_theses/2n49t2199

Abstract

Recombinant DNA assembly techniques have been utilized by scientist for many decades to engineer combinations of gene sequences. The use of synthetic DNA sequences goes beyond the laboratory setting and has been used to generate vaccines, human insulin, insect-repellent crops, and has progressed in the ability to manipulate bacteria to produce biofuels and synthetic plastics (Koppolu and Vasigala, 2016). Multiple techniques have been developed to assemble various DNA sequences, yet most prove to be time consuming, ineffective, or have specific limitations. Here, we have created a novel approach to recombinant DNA assembly with the sole use of chemically modified primers, standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocols, and ligation methods. The methodology proves to be fast, simple and effective compared to other methods allowing for an improved means to create recombinant DNA. This technique is important as synthetic biology, the creation of biological systems that do not exist in the natural world, becomes a major aspect in the future of research, human health, and environmental sustainability.

Creator