List by Alphabet: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Clone (verb)

To "clone" something is to produce copies of it. To clone a piece of DNA, one would insert it into some type of vector (say, a plasmid) and put the resultant construct into a Host (usually a bacterium) so that the plasmid and insert replicate with the Host. An individual bacterium is isolated and grown and the plasmid containing the "cloned" DNA is re-isolated from the bacteria, at which point there will be many millions of copies of the DNA - essentially an unlimited supply. Actually, an investigator wishing to clone some gene or cDNA rarely has that DNA in a purified form, so practically speaking, to "clone" something involves screening a cDNA or genomic library for the desired clone. See also "probe" for a description of how one might start a cloning project, and "screening" for how the probe in used. One can also clone more complex organisms, with considerable difficulty. The much-publicized Scottish research that resulted in the sheep ”Dolly’ exemplifies this approach.


Related Biology Tools

  • GenSmart™ Codon Optimization

    GenSmart Optimization is a free online tool for performing codon optimization to improve gene expression. GenScript's patented algorithms are integrated into the tool to optimize the computing capability of high-performance sequence generation.

    Learn More

  • DNA Construct Design Tool

    GenSmart™ Design is a free online DNA construct design tool developed by GenScript. GenSmart™ Design has two design modules, the Create Construct module for individual plasmid design and the Create Library module for DNA library design.

    Learn More

  • Codon Frequency Tables

    This online tool shows commonly used genetic codon frequency table in expression host organisms including Escherichia coli and other common host organisms.

    Learn More

Service and Products

Gene Synthesis

Offer gene synthesis of 100% sequence guarantee, free codon optimization, DNA synthesis in as fast as 4 days.

ORF cDNA Clones and Custom Clones

Largest commercial ORF clones database, 70,000 next-day shipping ORF clones.

Plasmid DNA Preparation

High quality plasmids supported by fully-automated platform, 100% full insert sequence accuracy guaranteed.

Express Cloning & Subcloning

$49 and 2 day turnaround, choose from over 150 IP FREE vectors.

Mutation and Library Services

Mutagenesis Portfolio offers several mutation and library services to meet various customers’ needs.

Oligo Synthesis

Bridge the gap between chemically synthesized oligos and bological applications.

If you know of any terms that have been omitted from this glossary that you feel would be useful to include, please send detail to the Editorial Office at GenScript: website@genscript.com

If your term is adopted, we will send 1,000 EzCoupon points to your GenScript account.