Question

The microparticles that are coated with the desired DNA that will be bombarded with gene gun in order to carry out the transformation process are made up of-

• A. Platinum or zinc
• B. Silver or platinum
• C. Gold or tungsten
• D. Silicon or platinum

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Gold or tungsten

The correct option is C.

Explanation for correct option:

1. The gene gun technique was created in the early $1980\mathrm{s}$.
2. The science of genetic engineering, which includes changing an organism's genes, has been transformed by this technology.
3. This is basically a method of DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) transfer to the host, usually plant cells.
4. This process involves using tungsten or gold microparticles coated with DNA or RNA.

Explanation for incorrect options:

Option A:

1. Platinum is a chemical substance whose symbol is $\left(\mathrm{Pt}\right)$ and atomic number is $78$.
2. Platinum is one of the metals with the least amount of reactivity.
3. It has exceptional corrosion resistance, even at high temperatures, and is hence classified as a noble metal.
4. Zinc is a chemical element whose symbol is $\left(\mathrm{Zn}\right)$ and atomic number is $30$.
5. At room temperature, zinc is a slightly brittle metal with a silvery-greyish look when oxidation is removed.

Option B:

1. Silver is a chemical element whose atomic number is $47$ and symbol is $\left(\mathrm{Ag}\right)$.
2. It is a glossy, soft, white transition metal whose electrical conductivity, reflectivity, and thermal conductivity are very high.
3. Platinum is a chemical substance whose symbol is $\left(\mathrm{Pt}\right)$ and atomic number is $78$.
4. Platinum is one of the metals with the least amount of reactivity.
5. It has exceptional corrosion resistance, even at high temperatures, and is hence classified as a noble metal.

Option D:

1. Silicon is a chemical element whose atomic number is $14$ and symbol is $\left(\mathrm{Si}\right)$.
2. It is neither a metal nor a non-metal instead it is a metalloid.
3. Metalloids are chemical elements that have physical and chemical properties that fall between metal and nonmetal.
4. Platinum is one of the metals with the least amount of reactivity.
5. It has exceptional corrosion resistance, even at high temperatures, and is hence classified as a noble metal.

Final answer: The microparticles that are coated with the desired DNA that will be bombarded with a gene gun in order to carry out the transformation process are made up of gold or tungsten.