Question

Choose the correct option(s) regarding BAC used in Human Genome project (HGP)

• A. BAC is the only vector used in HGP
• B. Human genome can be cut into size up to 200,000 base pairs and can be inserted in BACs
• C. BAC stands for beneficial artificial chromosome
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is B Human genome can be cut into size up to 200,000 base pairs and can be inserted in BACs

Since the human genome is 3 billion base pairs in size, it was impossible to use Sanger's method directly (this involves using a purified DNA polymerase enzyme to synthesize DNA chains of varying lengths).

To solve the problem, the human DNA was cut into millions of fragments ranging from 150 to 200 kilobase pair length.

A DNA fragment of this size could be easily kept in a BAC (bacterial artificial chromosome) and hence BAC was used as the most suitable vectors. The vectors act as vehicles for genes of interest which when introduced into the host cell can make copies of it in the host.

Once stored in BAC, it could be used to amplify the number of DNA fragments for sequencing purposes.

Along with BAC, YAC (yeast artificial chromosome) was also used as a vector in HGP.