Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Recombinant DNA technology involves creating a new DNA molecule by combining genetic material from different sources. The question asks for the logical sequence of steps in a standard gene cloning experiment.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's arrange the steps logically:
Step B: First, you must prepare the DNA fragments. This involves cutting both the target DNA (gene of interest) and the cloning vector (e.g., a plasmid) with the same restriction enzyme to generate compatible ends.
Step A: Next, the prepared target DNA fragment is joined with the cleaved vector DNA. The enzyme DNA ligase is used to form phosphodiester bonds, creating the recombinant DNA molecule.
Step D: The newly created recombinant DNA must be introduced into a host organism, usually a bacterium like E. coli. This process is called transformation.
Step C: Transformation is an inefficient process, so you need to select the few cells that successfully took up the recombinant DNA (transformants) from the vast majority that did not. This is done using selectable markers like antibiotic resistance or color indicators (e.g., blue-white screening).
Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct sequence of occurrence is B \(\rightarrow\) A \(\rightarrow\) D \(\rightarrow\) C.