What is the term for joining DNA fragments?

What is the term for joining DNA fragments?

• A. Ligation
• B. Transcription
• C. Translation
• D. Replication

Answer: (A)

Joining DNA fragments is ligation. This process is carried out by DNA ligase, which seals the sugar-phosphate backbone by forming phosphodiester bonds between the ends of adjacent DNA fragments. In cloning, fragments cut by restriction enzymes are joined to a vector to create recombinant DNA; ends may be sticky or blunt, with sticky ends often ligating more efficiently due to complementary base pairing. This is different from transcription (synthesis of RNA from DNA), translation (synthesis of proteins from mRNA), and replication (copying DNA during cell division).

Joining DNA fragments is ligation. This process is carried out by DNA ligase, which seals the sugar-phosphate backbone by forming phosphodiester bonds between the ends of adjacent DNA fragments. In cloning, fragments cut by restriction enzymes are joined to a vector to create recombinant DNA; ends may be sticky or blunt, with sticky ends often ligating more efficiently due to complementary base pairing. This is different from transcription (synthesis of RNA from DNA), translation (synthesis of proteins from mRNA), and replication (copying DNA during cell division).