Objective To construct replication-defective adenovirus containing tk gene (ADV-tk). Methods Recombinant adenovirus of ADV-tk was constructed using homologous recombination in cells. After the interested tk gene fragment in the recombinant plasmid obtained was confirmed by PCR, the titre of purified recombinant adenovirus was detected. In vitro study, tk gene in SMMC7721 cells transfected by ADV-tk was investigated by RT-PCR. In vivo study, ADV-tk was injected intraperitoneally into BALB/c nude mice with liver cancer and apoptosis cells in tumor were observed. Results Recombinant adenovirus containing ADV-tk was proved successfully. The titre of purified recombinant adenovirus was 1.4×1010 pfu/ml. In vitro study, tk was integrated and expressed by SMMC-7721 cells. In vivo study, with the injection of ADV-tk, apoptosis cells in tumor increased. Conclusion A replication-defective adenovirus containing tk gene is successfully constructed, which may useful for further research on tumor suicide gene therapy with ADV-tk.