The process of genetic engineering may include either four or five steps. the diagram represents the five-step process. which best describes step 2? a. restriction enzymes cut the dna into fragments; the fragments join with the host dna to create recombinant dna. b. recombinant dna is inserted into a biological vector; the vector houses the recombinant dna and is capable of creating copies of dna for itself and the recombinant dna. c. cloning of the recombinant dna occurs; the dna is cloned in the biological vector to create more dna for use in the host. d. recombinant dna is inserted into a mechanical vector; the mechanical vector allows the dna to be inserted into the dna clone for use in the host.

Ans. Option (a).

Genetic engineering involves intentional modification of the characteristics of a target organism by the manipulation of its DNA or genetic material.

It includes five steps: isolation of target gene; formation of recombinant DNA molecule by joining target gene and vector molecule; insertion of recombinant DNA (vector and target DNA) to host cell; production of many copies of recombinant DNA molecule in host cell; separation and purification of target gene product from host body.  

Hence, according to given diagram, step 2 describes cutting of target DNA and vector molecule to get desired fragments, which are then ligated with the ligase enzyme to make a recombinant DNA.

Thus, the correct answer is option (a).