What is gene cloning?

Gene cloning is a molecular biology technique that produces multiple identical copies of a specific gene or DNA sequence. It typically involves inserting the gene of interest into a vector (e.g., a plasmid), introducing the vector into a host cell (e.g., bacteria), and allowing the host cell to replicate, thereby amplifying the gene. Common uses include producing large quantities of a specific protein, creating modified organisms, and studying gene function.