Question

Explain the importance of 'selectable marker', with the help of a suitable example. [2 Marks]

Answer 1

A selectable marker is important during gene cloning because it helps in identifying and eliminating non-transformants and selectively allows the growth of the transformants. [1 Mark]

An example for a selectable marker is ampicillin resistance gene. All transformed cells have the resistance gene and can survive in a medium contianing ampicillin while the non-transformed cells die. [1 Mark]