What term describes DNA that is formed by combining DNA from different sources?

Recombinant DNA refers to DNA that has been formed by combining genetic material from different sources. This process is often achieved through molecular cloning techniques, where specific DNA fragments from various organisms are joined together to create a new sequence. The resulting recombinant DNA can be used for various applications, including genetic engineering, biotechnology, and research into gene function and expression.

In the context of molecular biology, recombinant DNA is crucial for producing proteins such as insulin, developing gene therapies, and creating genetically modified organisms. This technique allows scientists to manipulate genetic material in ways that can lead to advancements in medicine, agriculture, and environmental science.

The other terms, while related to genetic material, do not entirely capture this notion of combining DNA from different sources in the same way. Hybrid DNA typically refers to a mixture of DNA strands, possibly from different species, but not necessarily formed through recombination techniques. Synthetic DNA refers to artificially created sequences in a lab setting rather than combinations of existing DNA, and artificial DNA often implies some form of modified or engineered DNA not necessarily generated from distinct biological sources.