Where does gene splicing commonly occur?

Gene splicing commonly occurs on plasmids, which are small, circular pieces of DNA found in bacteria and some eukaryotic organisms. Plasmids are utilized as vectors in genetic engineering and molecular biology for the insertion, deletion, or modification of genes. This process allows scientists to manipulate genes effectively for various applications, such as producing recombinant proteins, creating genetically modified organisms, and conducting research in gene function and regulation.

While gene splicing relates to the manipulation of DNA, the nucleus is where the natural processes of transcription and replication occur, but splicing as a laboratory technique is not performed there. Ribosomes play a crucial role in protein synthesis but are not involved in the splicing of DNA. Chromosomes contain DNA that may be spliced as part of genetic engineering, but the term "gene splicing" specifically refers to the laboratory techniques that are most effectively carried out using plasmids.