Step 1: Concept
Recombinant DNA technology (genetic engineering) relies on specialized toolkit enzymes to isolate, copy, alter, and join nucleotide fragments in vitro.
Step 2: Meaning
* Genetic engineering tools include enzymes that cut, splice, extend, or copy nucleic acid molecules.
* Metabolic enzymes catalyze the chemical reactions that break down nutrients for energy inside regular cellular pathways.
Step 3: Analysis
* Terminal Transferase (A) is an enzyme that adds nucleotides to the 3' end of a DNA strand without needing a template, which is highly useful for adding homopolymer tails to cloning vectors $\rightarrow$ Correct.
* Pyruvate kinase (B) is a metabolic enzyme that catalyzes the final step of glycolysis, transforming phosphoenolpyruvate into pyruvate to generate ATP.
* Reverse Transcriptase (C) is an enzyme that synthesizes complementary DNA (cDNA) from an RNA template, making it essential for cloning expressed genes and constructing cDNA libraries $\rightarrow$ Correct.
* Hexokinase (D) is a metabolic enzyme that catalyzes the initial step of glycolysis, phosphorylating glucose inside the cell.
Step 4: Conclusion
The primary tools used in recombinant DNA research are A and C, matching option D.
Final Answer: (D)