What is the Difference Between Gene Amplification and Gene Cloning?

Gene amplification and gene cloning are two different biological techniques used to make multiple copies of a desired gene. Here are the main differences between the two:

Gene Amplification:

• Involves using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to make multiple copies of the desired gene in an in vitro solution, free of living cells.
• Can precisely increase the copies of the target gene without increasing the proportion of other genes.
• Artificial amplification includes PCR, Transcription-Mediated Amplification (TMA), and Ligase Chain Reaction (LCR).
• Faster and less labor-intensive compared to gene cloning.

Gene Cloning:

• An experimental process by which recombinant DNA (rDNA) is made to replicate inside a host organism.
• Involves cutting and pasting DNA sequences into a vector (such as a plasmid) and directing it to replicate and produce copies.
• Replicates DNA within a living cell, and the process of producing identical DNA molecules is called cloning.
• More labor-intensive compared to gene amplification.

In summary, gene amplification uses an in vitro technique (PCR) to make multiple copies of a desired gene, while gene cloning involves making multiple copies of a gene in vivo using recombinant DNA techniques.

Comparative Table: Gene Amplification vs Gene Cloning

Here is a table highlighting the differences between gene amplification and gene cloning:

Gene amplification is a technique used in PCR to make multiple copies of a desired gene. It can precisely increase the copies of the target gene without increasing the proportion of other genes. On the other hand, gene cloning is an experimental process by which recombinant DNA (rDNA) is made to replicate inside a host. The gene of interest is placed in a vector (plasmid) and directed to replicate and produce copies.