Recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology, often referred to as genetic engineering, involves the artificial joining of DNA molecules from different biological sources. The process is predicated on the ability to manipulate genetic material at the molecular level to create new combinations of heritable material. The core workflow begins with the isolation of a specific "gene of interest," which is then inserted into a "vector"—typically a bacterial plasmid or a viral genome—to create a recombinant molecule.

This technology relies on a specialized enzymatic toolkit, primarily restriction endonucleases and DNA ligases. Restriction enzymes act as "molecular scissors," recognizing and cutting specific DNA sequences, while ligases act as "glue" to repair the sugar-phosphate backbone and permanently join the DNA fragments. For a detailed breakdown of the tools and reagents used in these genomic workflows, the Recombinant DNA Technology Market overview provides technical insights into the development of high-fidelity enzymes and cloning vectors. Once the recombinant DNA is formed, it is introduced into a host cell (such as E. coli or yeast) through a process called transformation.

The ultimate goal of rDNA technology is often the expression of a specific protein. By placing the gene of interest under the control of a strong "promoter" sequence within the vector, the host cell can be induced to synthesize large quantities of a target protein. This fundamental capability has transformed the biological sciences, moving from descriptive observation to the active redesign of biological systems for research, diagnostic, and therapeutic purposes.