What is the process of splicing together DNA fragments from different sources to create new combinations called?

The process of splicing together DNA fragments from different sources to create new combinations is known as recombinant DNA. This technique is fundamental in biotechnology and genetic engineering, allowing scientists to manipulate genetic material in order to produce desired traits or functions. By combining DNA from different organisms, researchers can create genetically modified organisms (GMOs), produce proteins like insulin, or develop new vaccines.

In recombinant DNA technology, enzymes such as restriction enzymes are used to cut the DNA at specific sequences, and ligase enzymes then join these fragments together in new configurations. This capability enables advancements in medicine, agriculture, and environmental science, among other fields. The focus is on creating novel genetic constructs that can lead to improved outcomes in various applications.

In contrast, gene therapy refers to the introduction of genetic material into a person's cells to treat or prevent disease, selective breeding involves choosing parents with desirable traits to produce offspring, and stem cell differentiation is the process by which stem cells develop into different cell types. These processes are distinct from the act of creating new DNA combinations that characterize recombinant DNA technology.