What is the Difference Between Recombinant DNA and Recombinant Protein?

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Recombinant DNA and recombinant protein are both important components of recombinant DNA technology, but they have distinct differences:

  • Recombinant DNA: It is a synthesized molecule made by joining together DNA fragments from at least two different sources. Recombinant DNA is made up of nucleotides and is synthesized outside the cell, i.e., in vitro. It is used widely in recombinant DNA technology to produce recombinant proteins.
  • Recombinant Protein: These proteins are expressed in vivo by the translation of recombinant DNA. Recombinant proteins are made up of amino acids and are synthesized inside the cell, i.e., in vivo. They are used commercially to produce antibiotics, enzymes, and protein-based polymer drugs. Recombinant proteins require post-translational modifications.

In summary, recombinant DNA is an artificial product synthesized outside the cell, while recombinant protein is a protein expressed inside the cell based on the information present in the recombinant DNA.

Comparative Table: Recombinant DNA vs Recombinant Protein

Here is a table comparing the differences between recombinant DNA and recombinant protein:

Feature Recombinant DNA Recombinant Protein
Definition Recombinant DNA is a molecule created by combining pieces of DNA from at least two different sources. Recombinant protein is the protein that is translated by the host organism based on the recombinant DNA.
Composition Made up of nucleotides. Made up of amino acids.
Location of Synthesis Synthesized outside the cell, i.e., in vitro. Synthesized inside the cell, i.e., in vivo.
Post-Translational Modifications Does not require post-translational modifications. Requires post-translational modifications.
Uses Recombinant DNA is used widely in recombinant DNA technology to produce recombinant proteins. Recombinant proteins are used commercially in various applications, such as medicine, agriculture, and industrial processing.

Both recombinant DNA and recombinant protein are important components of recombinant DNA technology, which involves the manipulation of genetic material to achieve specific outcomes.