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In genetic engineering, the antibiotics are used
[2012M]
  • a)
    as selectable markers.
  • b)
    to select healthy vectors.
  • c)
    to keep the cultures free of infection.
  • d)
    as sequences from where replication starts.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
In genetic engineering, the antibiotics are used[2012M]a)as selectable...
Antibiotics are powerful medicines that fight bacterial infections. They either kill bacteria or keep them from reproducing. In genetic engineering, the antibiotics are used as selectable markers.
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In genetic engineering, the antibiotics are used[2012M]a)as selectable...
Antibiotics as Selectable Markers in Genetic Engineering

Genetic engineering involves the manipulation of genetic material to alter the characteristics of an organism. To achieve this, DNA sequences are introduced into the host organism's genome, and the transformed cells are selected for further propagation.

Selectable markers are used to distinguish between transformed and non-transformed cells. Antibiotics are commonly used as selectable markers in genetic engineering.

Explanation:

Antibiotics are substances that are produced by microorganisms to inhibit the growth of other microorganisms. They work by targeting specific structures or processes that are essential for bacterial survival. In genetic engineering, antibiotics are used to select for cells that have taken up a DNA sequence of interest.

The process involves the following steps:

1. Introduction of DNA sequence: The DNA sequence of interest is introduced into the host organism's genome. This is done using vectors such as plasmids, which can replicate independently of the host cell's genome.

2. Antibiotic resistance gene: The vector used for the introduction of DNA sequence also contains an antibiotic resistance gene. This gene codes for a protein that confers resistance to a specific antibiotic.

3. Selection: The transformed cells are grown in the presence of the antibiotic. Only the cells that have taken up the antibiotic resistance gene will survive and grow, while the non-transformed cells will die.

4. Propagation: The selected cells are propagated to produce a population of cells that have the DNA sequence of interest.

Advantages of using Antibiotics as Selectable Markers:

1. Antibiotics are easy to use and cost-effective.

2. Antibiotics are highly selective, and only cells that have the antibiotic resistance gene will survive.

3. Antibiotics are widely available and can be used in a variety of host organisms.

Conclusion:

Antibiotics are commonly used as selectable markers in genetic engineering to distinguish between transformed and non-transformed cells. The use of antibiotics as selectable markers is a powerful tool in genetic engineering, allowing for the selection and propagation of cells that have taken up the desired DNA sequence.
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In genetic engineering, the antibiotics are used[2012M]a)as selectable...
Selectable markers are those genes which help in selecting those host cells which contain vectors (i.e., transformants) and eliminating the non- transformants. The genes encoding resistance to antibiotics such as tetracycline,, ampicillin, kanamycin etc., are useful selectable markers for E.coli. Plasmid pBR322 has two resistance genes - ampicillin resistance (ampr) and tetracyclin resistance (tef) which are considered useful for selectable markers. The presence of restriction sites within the markers tef and ampr permits an easy selection for cells transformed with the recombinant pBR322. Insertion of the DNA fragment into the plasmid using enzyme Pst I or Pvu I places the DNA insert within the gene amp'; this makes ampr nonfunctional. Bacterial cells containing such a recombinant pBR322 will be unable to grow in the presence of ampicillin, but will grow on tetracycline. Similarly, when restriction enzyme Bam HI or Sal I is used, the DNA insert is placed within the gene tef making it nonfunctional. Bacterial cells possessing such a recombinant pBR322 will, therefore, grow on ampicillin but not on tetracyclin.
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In genetic engineering, the antibiotics are used[2012M]a)as selectable markers.b)to select healthy vectors.c)to keep the cultures free of infection.d)as sequences from where replication starts.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
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