Ligation

Any two fragments (complementary sticky ends or blunt ends) can be joined together permanently by the action of an enzyme called DNA ligase.  Using restriction enzymes to ‘cut and paste' the gene of choice (goc) can be inserted into an appropriate vector, a plasmid (extranuclear circular strand of self replicating DNA) or phage (bacterial virus) producing an hybrid vector.  The hybrid vector can be transformed into a host cell (such as E. coli) for propagation and further manipulation.  Such a collection of clones is called a DNA library.

The ligation of two sticky ends